We're often told that to make a difference, we need "a seat at the table." But what if that's a trap? In this compelling talk, Oluwaferanmi Oladepo shares his journey from an idealistic youth leader to a pragmatic change-maker. He reveals how occupying a seat in a state youth parliament taught him a crucial lesson: that access and titles do not automatically equal impact. He argues that the true path to influence lies not in waiting for permission, but in a three-pillar framework: Develop Before You Demand to become an invaluable expert; Create Parallel Structures to build new pathways for change; and Earn Trust with Results to prove your value beyond a title. This talk is a powerful call for young leaders to move past the superficiality of symbolic inclusion and embrace the hard work of creating meaningful, measurable change from wherever they are. Oluwaferanmi Oladepo is a youth advocate and emerging technology leader reshaping how young people drive change in Nigeria. As an engineering student at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, he blends technical expertise in AI and software development with a deep commitment to civic engagement.At 18, he became the youngest member of the Oyo State Youth Parliament, pushing beyond symbolic representation to deliver real impact—from co-leading policy initiatives to coordinating a voter registration drive that empowered over 2,000 young voters. As Secretary-General of the EU Youth Sounding Board Nigeria, he ensures youth voices influence decision-making directly and meaningfully.Beyond policy, Oluwaferanmi uses technology as a force for good. His AI research on climate solutions earned him selection among just 30 global participants for the prestigious Climate Change AI Summer School in Canada, where he developed predictive models for agricultural resilience. As a Microsoft Certified Azure AI Engineer and multiple hackathon winner, he leads digital skills training programs that equip young people for the future, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and grassroots empowerment.Through his work, he challenges the idea that leadership is just about having a seat at the table. Instead, he champions a new vision: creating spaces defined by courage, skills, and action — inspiring a generation to move beyond the surface and build the change they want to see. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

We're often told that success is a direct result of academic achievement and what you know. But what if that's a myth? In this candid and inspiring talk, social entrepreneur Olusoji Oyawoye dismantles the notion of academic superiority by sharing his own story of repeated academic failures. He reveals how his life was transformed not by a perfect GPA, but by a series of pivotal relationships and a willingness to embrace the dignity of work. Through a powerful personal narrative, Dada argues that your network, mindset, and ability to leverage relationships are far more critical to success than your grades. He provides a practical roadmap for building and engaging a credible network, teaching that success is not about what you know, but who you know, and how you show up for them.Olusoji Oyawoye Social Entrepreneur, Life and Business CoachOlusoji Oyawoye, a Nigerian, is the Founder and CEO of revolutionary House 12 Workspaces and Lifestyle Limited in Ilorin.Prior to House 12. He was Co-Founder and pioneer MD/CEO of leading HR Outsourcing organisation Resource Intermediaries Limited and sits on the board of 4 other companies in Nigeria, UK, Ghana and Kenya, two as non-executive Chairman.Outside Professional Pursuits, he is a Conference Speaker, a Certified Member of The Maxwell Leadership Team, and a certified Maxwell DISC Behavioural Analysis Specialist, a Life and Business Coach and Mentor to many.He has authored eight books, on Relationships, Entrepreneurship, Personal Branding, finding one’s Purpose in life, Leadership and How To Build A Legacy Business.He is married to Olabisi, and they have two wonderful Millennial children.His full Profile is on https://sojioyawoye.com This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

We've been taught to celebrate "a seat at the table" as the ultimate win for inclusion. But what happens when you're in the room and no one is listening? Drawing from her experiences in national policy-making and global forums, Esohe challenges the superficiality of performative inclusion. She argues that presence is not power and that true inclusion demands more than just visibility; it requires the authority to influence decisions and shape outcomes.With poignant stories about being tokenized as a youth representative and leading an initiative that unintentionally excluded others, she reveals that genuine progress lies not in who is invited, but in who is empowered to lead. This talk is a powerful call to move beyond optics and confront the uncomfortable truth that inclusion without power is merely an illusion. Esohe Ekunwe is a Systems Development Architect and Gender and Digital Inclusion Strategist reimagining how policies, technologies, and development programmes serve women, youth, and historically excluded communities.As Chair of the Green and Digital Economy Committee of the European Union Youth Sounding Board Nigeria, she contributes to national policymaking through a youth-led, equity-focused lens. Her work has equipped over 5,000 women, girls, and youth with digital and financial skills. A Future Awards Africa winner and dedicated trainer and mentor, Esohe believes inclusion must be structural - built into the very fabric of institutions, not just spoken about. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Every product you build is shaped by your worldview, and often, without realizing it, you're creating for people who look, think, and live just like you. But what happens to everyone else? Product manager Abubakar Hassanat reveals how invisible bias—the unconscious assumptions that guide our decisions—can unintentionally exclude the very people a product was meant to serve.Drawing on her experience building inclusive technology across Africa, she shares how confronting these biases can lead to more innovative and profitable products. This talk isn't just about building better tech; it's about building more human-centered products for a diverse world. Hassanat Abubakar is a results-driven Product Manager with a strong blend of creativity, analytical thinking, and a commitment to excellence. She is deeply passionate about product management, business strategy, customer success, and product development, consistently delivering impactful solutions across industries. With a proven track record in building innovative products, Hassanat has successfully led products across HealthTech, HRTech, EdTech, PropTech, and Government projects. She is currently driving product innovation in the FinTech Sector. Beyond product management, Hassanat is dedicated to empowering others. She is the founder of FUSE Varsity, an EdTech platform focused on equipping individuals with in-demand skills for the future of work. A strong advocate for open-source technology, she actively contributes to and builds open-source projects, recognizing their transformative impact on society. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

When a design he created was used without permission, most people would have been upset. But designer Areous Ahmad saw an opportunity. In this inspiring talk, he shares the story of how that moment led him to embrace open-source design, a philosophy of sharing and collaboration over ownership and protection. He reveals how this simple act of generosity ignited a ripple effect of creativity, leading to the creation of free toolkits and resources that have empowered thousands of young designers across the globe.Areous makes a compelling case that in the age of AI, the future of design and technology is not built on individual brilliance, but on a culture of collective innovation, where sharing our work openly leads to more inclusive, ethical, and human-centered products. Areous A. Ahmad is a Product Designer and Community Advocate passionate about creating inclusive, scalable, and human-centred digital experiences. With years of experience leading design efforts across fintech, edtech, and AI-powered platforms, he focuses on simplifying complexity through design systems and no-code solutions.Areous is also an active voice in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, co-organising events like DevFest Ilorin and mentoring emerging designers through platforms like ADPList and Open Designers. His work sits at the intersection of design, technology, and social impact, constantly pushing beyond the surface to spark real change. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

We've all heard the glamorous tales of success, but what about the messy, soul-shaking truth of building from nothing? Entrepreneur Fola takes us on a raw and honest journey through his rock-bottom moment—a period of betrayal, financial loss, and disillusionment that left him feeling like a failure. In this deeply personal talk, he shares how a moment of crisis became a classroom for clarity. Drawing on the principles from the book Midas Touch, Dada offers five essential tools for anyone looking to build a purpose-driven life or business: character, focus, brand, relationships, and the discipline of "the little things." This talk is a powerful and candid reminder that resilience, not rejection, is the true forge of an entrepreneur, and that the greatest triumphs often begin when we dare to rebuild ourselves from the ground up. Fola Oyedeji is a seasoned engineer and real estate developer with over half a decade of experience. He has facilitated real estate investments for over 1000 individuals locally and internationally, contributing to his vision of making affordable, top-quality real estate accessible to people across Nigeria and in diaspora.As the Founder and Group Managing Director of Experience Vision Creations (EVC), Fola specializes in innovative real estate solutions. He has developed key operational initiatives, driving substantial business growth and reducing the housing deficit in Africa. Under his leadership, EVC has successfully designed and developed prominent real estate projects, expanding into Ibadan, Lagos and Ogun.Fola's prowess in recommending company products and services to clients has secured over $2 million in sales revenue in 2024. Through his leadership and dedication, EVC has received numerous accolades, including the Housing Hero award in Ilorin from the Drive Leadership Network,The Trailblazer of the Year for 2024 as he also made the list of Power Brokers in Kwara for the Year 2024 by Kwarapedia.Fola holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Ilorin and has completed courses in management and corporate strategy at Lagos Business School. He is a member of several professional associations, including the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Nigerian Society of Engineers, Rotary International, the Forbes BLK community and the National Association of Technologists in Engineering.Fola's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to transforming the real estate landscape in Africa. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx