Theme: Past, Present, Future

The Yaba area of Lagos houses the famous technology cluster in Lagos widely regarded as Nigeria’s Silicon Valley and is a melting pot for some of the finest innovators in the country, who in true TED spirit have built the ecosystem into what it is through collaboration. It has attracted global attention including a surprise visit by Mark Zuckerberg. The current state governor has also affirmed that the area and the innovators that work there represent the future of the country. This event would be dedicated to curating ideas that reflect the innovations and the innovative spirit that have made Yaba an example to other cities in the country. What can we learn, for instance, from its history while celebrating its present and charting a course for its future. Would Yaba continue to grow as a technology hub or is the progress we’ve seen transient? What does this mean for other cities across the country and continent? What innovations can we expect to see in the coming years and how would they impact the lives of ordinary citizens? What would these interactions with technology look like and should we be intrigued or worried? What role will the arts and other areas of human endeavour play in this future?

We would explore these and many more ideas at TEDxYaba 2017.

Ozone Cinemas
E-Centre, Commercial Avenue
Yaba, Lagos, 23401
Nigeria

Ade Balogun

Chief Loc Officer, Locitude

Efe Paul Azino

Founder and Director, Lagos International Poetry Festival

Folakunle Oshun

Artistic Director, Lagos Biennial

Godwin Benson

CEO, Tuteria

Judith Okonkwo

Founder, Imisi 3D

Lala Akindoju

Actor

Maryam Uwais

Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Social Protection

Omobola Johnson

Partner, TLCom Capital

Omobola Johnson is a Partner of TLcom Capital in Lagos, Nigeria, a venture capital firm focused on investments in technology enabled companies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Before joining TLcom, Omobola was Minister of Communication Technology, Nigeria from 2011 to 2015, focusing on the launch and execution of the National Broadband Plan, and the support of the Nigerian technology industry, including the pioneering involvement of the government in a local VC fund and a network of start-up incubators. Before serving in the Nigerian government, she was in Accenture for over twenty five years including five years as Country Managing Director, working with companies in a variety of industries, transforming them into more competitive and dynamic organizations. Omobola serves on the Board of a number of not-for-profit and for-profit organisations, including Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ) where she was the founding Chairperson.

Seni Sulyman

Country Director (Nigeria), Andela

Tunji Lardner

Executive Director, WANGONeT

TY Bello

Photographer/Musician

Victor Asemota

CEO, Swifta Corp