Dr. Praachi Rathore was in Grade 5 when she realized she was different from the boys around her. From that moment on, she faced constant bullying and harassment at every stage of her life.But none of that stopped her from chasing her dream of becoming a doctor. She earned her medical degree, only to find that despite her qualifications, doors to employment remained shut. Not because of her abilities, but because of her identity. With no other option, she was forced to survive by seeking help on the streets. Things shifted in 2017 when she secured a junior resident doctor role at Maheshwara Medical College. After a year, she stepped away to focus on her transition surgery. Then in 2019, COVID hit. The country needed doctors, and yet, she was still denied the chance to serve. Once again, it wasn’t her qualifications that were in question, it was her identity. It was a time that nearly broke her. But she didn’t give up. Eventually, her medical skills found their place. She began treating patients during the emergency and joined MITR Clinic - India’s first transgender clinic (under Project ACCELERATE, funded by USAID) - as a medical officer. By 2021, she became the face of MITR Clinic. She hosted the International LGBTQIA+ Symposium, became an ambassador for Manipal University’s LGBTQIA+ health stream, and mentored others. She and her allies launched a year-long sensitization program for nine transgender MBBS students. Her advocacy caught the attention of Osmania General Hospital, which was launching a transgender-inclusive clinic. After attending their conference, Praachi was offered the role of Chief Medical Officer, a major turning point. But even before that, she was fighting another uphill battle. When she applied for post-grad under the transgender category, she was wrongly allotted a seat under the male category. After a 3 year legal and administrative struggle, she secured her rightful seat and made history as the first transgender person in India to pursue MS Orthopaedics at a government medical college. Dr. Praachi Rathore didn’t come this far just to come far. She’s not here just to be “the first.” She’s here to make sure no one else has to be the last. Dr. Praacchi Rathore (MBBS, DEM) didn’t just become a doctor. She became a symbol of what it means to claim your truth in the face of resistance.After being excluded by institutions that failed to understand her identity, she went on to make history as one of the first transgender women to serve in Telangana’s government healthcare system. Today, she not only treats patients at Osmania General Hospital but also speaks across the country on LGBTQIA+ rights and equity in healthcare.Her mission is clear: to create a world where compassion in healthcare knows no boundaries of identity. 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

Obi Imemba shares how TotalEnergies is reshaping Nigeria’s energy future by integrating solar, gas, and hybrid systems to deliver clean, reliable power while cutting emissions and ending routine gas flaring. He highlights the company’s commitment to carbon management, environmental stewardship, and circular economy practices such as recycling, composting, and reforestation. Beyond technology, Imemba emphasizes the importance of people—partnering with youth, communities, and host regions through education, training, scholarships, and innovation programs. His talk shows how clean energy, community development, and low‑carbon operations can work together to build a green, equitable, and resilient Nigeria. He is a purpose driven individual with a passion to add value to lives and make sustainable contribution within his sphere of influence. 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

Vanessa Kayen Valentin highlights that children in the Niger Delta are among the most affected by climate change, facing polluted water, extreme heat, malnutrition, and disrupted learning. She stresses that vulnerability does not mean incapacity—children are curious, creative, and capable of driving solutions. She emphasizes the importance of involving children directly in climate action, giving them opportunities to explore, innovate, and contribute, rather than being seen as passive or incapable. By engaging their curiosity, creativity, and passions, we can empower the next generation to create sustainable solutions and lead future climate initiatives. Her core message: children are not just vulnerable—they are essential contributors to meaningful environmental change. Varnessa Kayen Varlyngton is an indigenous 14-year-old Gen-Alpha leader, Ashoka Young Changemaker, artivist, and award-winning writer, poet, and author of the book "AMAMA". She has been dedicated to raising awareness about climate change and other forms of environmental degradation since the age of 7. Varnessa serves as the founder and executive director of Egalitarianism For Earth, using it as a medium to advocate for green development, climate education,tackling environmental injustice from a civic perspective and children's participation in the climate space.She has been effectively involved in curriculum reforms with the inculcation of climate education in the school curriculum through her role as the First Nigerian and Youngest Ever United Nations Climate Change Learn Champion, Egalitarianism For Earth and through the 2025 UN National Voluntary Reviews where she was selected as one of the representatives of the UNICEF GenU 9JA Young People's Action Team in which she is currently part of. Varnessa also changes the narrative for climate communications bridging innovation and creativity by developing projects such as the Stories Incubator Lab and being a speaker at COP 16. 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

Ross Alabo George emphasizes that the Niger Delta and Nigerian coastline face serious environmental threats—from sea level rise and erosion to biodiversity loss. These changes are gradual but will profoundly affect communities, livelihoods, and ecosystems. He highlights that vulnerability signals value, and stresses the need for early action, planning, and intergenerational collaboration. Using tools like environmental mapping and monitoring, we can guide solutions that protect both people and nature. Ultimately, addressing these challenges today ensures a safer, sustainable future for the next generation. Ross Alabo-George, a distinguished expert in earth observation and geospatial systems, boasts over 22 years of industry experience in Environmental Sciences, Agro-Ecology, Sustainable Land Use, and Climate-Smart Agriculture. Born on January 2, 1979, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, he embarked on his academic journey at the Federal Government College, Sokoto, before earning degrees from the University of Uyo and Colorado Technical University. His educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Master's degree in Software Engineering, and another in Earth Observation/Remote Sensing & GIS.As the visionary founder and Principal Consultant of Proxy Logics Limited, established in 2006, Ross Alabo-George has left an indelible mark on the industry. Pioneering digital mobile mapping in Nigeria, he played a crucial role in deploying digital Nigerian maps on mobile devices and Google Maps.Throughout his illustrious career, Ross has been a linchpin in numerous local and international projects, collaborating with multinational companies, public agencies, the World Bank, Africa Development, and the Economic Community for West African States. Notable achievements include leading the National Environmental Sensitivity Index Mapping Project, overseeing the Designation of Marine Protected Areas for Nigeria Coastal Waters, and orchestrating the Designation of Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) for the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).Ross Alabo-George's expertise extends to environmental information management, as demonstrated by his leadership in developing the Niger Delta Environmental Information Management System (EIMS) for the Niger Delta Development Commission. Serving as the technical lead for the Abidjan-Lagos Highway Corridor LIDAR Survey for Lot 2 (ECOWAS) further showcases his commitment to advancing the field.In the agricultural sector, Ross has been instrumental in the Nigeria Agricultural Land Use Classification Project, championing digital and precision agriculture. He has supervised the digitization and mapping of over one million hectares of smallholder farms across Nigeria, working closely with agricultural commodity associations and outgrowers. Additionally, he led the Digital Agriculture component of the Benin Republic Rice Project with Atda/EGTA.Beyond his professional endeavours, Ross Alabo-George serves as a director in several esteemed companies, including OEC Engineering, AeroGeodetica, Marble Arch Technologies, ERG Agro, and Ecologix Environmental Solutions. His dedication to societal welfare is evident through his role as a member of the board of trustees of The Opu-Alabo Foundation and Resilience Aid International.In essence, Ross's unwavering commitment lies in deploying technology to address development challenges in Africa, particularly in the crucial areas of environment, agriculture, and sustainable development. His multifaceted contributions continue to shape the landscape of earth observation and geospatial systems, leaving a lasting legacy in the pursuit of a better future for the continent. 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

Prof Magnus Chidi Onuoha highlights that climate change is real, urgent, and multifaceted, affecting Nigeria’s environment, economy, and communities. He frames Nigeria’s energy transition as part of the green economy, emphasizing low-carbon, resource-efficient solutions across energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and industry. He stresses that sustainable development requires balancing social, economic, and environmental goals, driven by collaboration among government, private sector, youth, and civil society. By adopting clean energy, climate-smart practices, and innovative investments, Nigeria can create jobs, empower communities, and ensure a resilient, equitable future. President , Governing Council, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations Alliance ( REEEAA)Prof. Magnus Chidi Onuoha a University of Port Harcourt Nigeria trained Development Economist and a Research Member of the Green Economic Institute (GEI) at UK, where he currently serves on the editorial board of GEI. An Associate Research Fellow at Africa Heritage Institution (formerly African Institute for Applied Economics, Enugu), Research Member/Consultant at Africa Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network Kenya. He is also a Research Member of the UK government funded Governing Inclusive Green Growth Africa (GIGGA) Network coordinated by the University of Reading, UK.He is a professor of Climate Change and Green Economy and presently President, Governing Council of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations (REEEA- Alliance) where he is at the driver seat in ensuring that the Federal Government of Nigeria takes renewable and energy efficient markets as mainstream investments supported by Feed-in- Tariffs as is obtainable in other climes. He also served as the immediate past President of Sustainable Energy Practitioners Association of Nigeria (SEPAN). He is the Executive Director of West Africa Green Economic Development Institute (WAGEDI), Gregory University Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria; and Rector, Asteven Energy Institute, Nigeria.Between 2004 and 2015 he was a Senior Adviser at Nigeria's National Assembly where he brought his wealth of experience to bare especially in the areas of energy, climate change and environment, defense, Inter- Parliamentary Union (Young Parliamentarian Forum, Nigeria chapter, amongst others.He is also a Member of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Roaster of Expert on Green House Gas Inventory (GHGI) Quality Assurance.He is also a Member of Nigeria Climate Change Response Programme (NCCRP) a European Union funded four-year programme, where he chairs the Waste Sector Work Group.Prof. Onuoha has varied research interest in the marine environment especially with respect to blue economy paradigm, pollution control and abatement and presently member Technical Work Group for GHG Inventory and MRV processes at Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).Just recently he was part of the 3-man team of African consultants commissioned by Africa Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network Kenya and Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) that developed a framework for Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Implementation index as well as monitoring/tracking tools for Africa. The process of turning the index into an app is ongoing.Recently he is among the authors of recently launched Mobilizing Investment for Clean Energy in Nigeria, a solution driven collaborative research work of the REEEA-Alliance with the World Economic Forum.Currently, he is the legal and regulatory expert in the ongoing World Bank funded Regional Off- grid Energy Access Project (ROGEAP) implemented by ECOWAS for fifteen (15) ECOWAS and Four Sahelian countries. He was also recently appointed as a member of the Pool of Experts of the UN Regular Process / third World Ocean Assessment (WOA III).Prof. Onuoha is the author of four books and co-authored 4 as well, with several published papers in national and international journals. His forthcoming books 'Greening the Nigerian Economy' and 'Greening the Global Economy' and ‘Climate Crisis and Energy Transition: The Basics’ promises to excite and stimulate the knowledge world. He is married with Children. 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

Bieye Renner Briggs calls attention to the human toll of environmental pollution in the Niger Delta. He highlights over 70 years of oil exploitation that has left communities with contaminated water, toxic air, and severe health impacts, including infertility, congenital anomalies, hypertension, kidney and liver disease, and high infant mortality. He explains how hydrocarbons enter the human body—through ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation—disrupt biological processes, and compromise health. Bieye stresses the urgent need for government, corporations, and citizens to put human life above profit, advocating for clean air, safe water, and proactive public health interventions. Environmental protection, he asserts, is not a favor to nature, but a necessity for human survival and the wellbeing of future generations, urging immediate and decisive action to ensure that life truly matters. Dr. Bieye Renner Briggs is a medical doctor, public health physician, environmental advocate, lecuturer, researcher, public speaker and public affairs analyst.He holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees from the University of Port Harcourt in 2012 and 2018 respectively. He holds a certificate in Leadership and Management in Health from the University of Washington, USA. He is at the verge of completing his Ph.D in Occupational Health and Safety at the Ignatius University of Education.He is an adjunct lecturer at Remington College of Health Sciences and Techology in Rivers State.He has conducted several researches on the impact of hydrocarbon pollution on public health in different states of the Niger Delta.Dr. Briggs has featured in several international documentaries on the impact of hydrocarbon pollution in the Niger Delta. He is a regular guest on national and international media outlets where he speaks passionately about the devastating impact of pollution and climate change on public health.He has made presentations in regional and national conferences on environmental pollution and climate change as keynote speaker/guest speaker.He is well known for his fearlessness, expertise, passion and quest for environmental justice and climate change impact mitigation within and out Nigeria.Dr. Briggs is a member of the Nigerian Medical Association, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, Nigerian Environmental Society, National Association of Health Educators and Association of Health Impact Assessors of Nigeria. He is the Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Eco and President of the Senior Staff Club of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.He is married with lovely children and loves watching football. 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

Ebenezar Wikina presents Rivers 2050, a citizen-led initiative to create a 25-year development vision for River State. He emphasizes the need for long-term planning to tackle challenges like energy transition, economic diversification, population growth, climate resilience, and preparing the next generation for a tech-driven future. The talk calls for strategic action, investment, and accountability to ensure sustainable development and a prosperous future for the state. Ebenezar Wikina has over 15 years of experience working with more than 40 organisations. He is the Founder of Policy Shapers and Convener of the Rivers 2050 Vision, a citizen-led foresight project designing a 25-year development blueprint for Rivers State.Eben has trained grassroots activists in 36 countries across 5 continents through his work at Nguvu Collective. He is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Expert Network, a Thematic Lead at the NESG, and an Advisory Committee Member of the Nigerian Youth Futures Fund.In 2013, he was a volunteer at TEDxStadiumRoad, the inaugural TEDx event in Port Harcourt organised by Donald Okudu, and in 2014, Eben organised TEDxYouth@OrdinanceRoad, the only TEDxYouth event in West Africa that year. While working as a journalist, he produced an exclusive interview with Richard Saul Wurman, the Founder of TED, on The Stroll, an interview blog he started with his Nokia XpressMusic phone.His work has received multiple awards and recognition, including the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Skoll Fellowship, Bridge Fellowship, Civic Hive Fellowship, and the first-ever Soundcity MVP Award for Community Development. He’s an alumnus of the London School of Journalism and Harvard Kennedy School. 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

Crystal Kizor highlights how architecture influences daily life, comfort and community well-being. She shows how climate-responsive and sustainable design—using local materials and cultural context—can reduce energy use, improve living experiences, and strengthen identity. The talk calls for a shift in Nigerian architecture toward purposeful, livable, and culturally rooted buildings and cities for the future. Crystal Kizor is an architect, interior designer, and the Lead Principal of Studio COKA. Her design journey began at 19 with a curiosity for sustainable architecture, and today her work continues to push the boundaries of how spaces can elevate human experience. She is the architect behind Nigeria’s first fully off-grid hospital, and her portfolio reflects a commitment to reducing energy consumption, raising living standards, and exploring indigenous materials to create modern solutions deeply rooted in culture.Crystal is passionate about design that moves beyond profit or repetition. For her, architecture is about crafting environments that serve the end-user—spaces where people live, work, and thrive. She envisions a Nigeria where design is intentional: where materials, construction, and communities come together to create neighbourhoods that stand the test of time, tell the story of the people, and fuel socio-economic development. 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

Christiana Ifubaraboye highlights the power of storytelling and art in preserving and sharing the cultural identity of the Niger Delta. She discusses founding IMBUU, a narrative collective that brings personal and indigenous stories to a global audience, challenging stereotypes around oil and conflict.Her talk emphasizes reconnecting with local history, environment, and traditions, using art to educate, inspire, and humanize communities and encouraging people to tell their stories authentically while contributing meaningfully to their heritage and society. Christina Ifubaraboye is the writer-director and producer of her debut feature documentary, Pülö: bloodstream of the Kirike and the founder of IMBUU Media Limited and a Hot Docs-Blue Ice 2022/23 Fellow, with a multi-hyphenated background in storytelling, writing, and strategy across media, public affairs, and the arts.She holds a BA in Mass Communications from the University of Hertfordshire. After graduating and returning to Port Harcourt, Nigeria’s oil capital, Christina began developing her first film, Pülö: bloodstream of the Kirike, now in post-production, while working across Nigeria’s creative industries, from reporting in Delta State and operations at Coronation Registrars to shaping narratives and operations in Lagos, Africa’s most populous Black nation.In Lagos, she curated stories for a culinary magazine and blog, contributed to brand and communication strategy as assistant to the founder of The Ben Enwonwu Foundation, and worked across Omenka Magazine and Gallery. At Evoke Communications, she led campaigns as a copywriter, identified and managed accounts for major brands. Christina’s decade-long, cross-sector experience informs her leadership at IMBUU—a culturally rooted, creatively driven organisation using storytelling to challenge distorted narratives and amplify othered voices. 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

Dapo Adesina highlights the transformative potential of electric mobility in the Niger Delta, showing how it can reduce pollution, protect ecosystems, lower transportation costs, and create green jobs. He emphasizes the environmental, health, and economic benefits of shifting from traditional fuel-based vehicles to electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure.The talk calls for policies, capacity-building, and collaboration among government, communities, and investors to make electric mobility sustainable and accessible. Ultimately, Dapo frames this transition as a collective choice and responsibility to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for the region. Engr. Dapo O. Adesina is a QA/QC and Sustainability Expert with nearly 20 years of experience spanning renewable energy, clean transportation, and telecommunications. He serves as President of the Electric Mobility Promoters Association of Nigeria (EMPAN) and works with GOPA International Energy Consultants GmbH as a Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Sustainability Specialist.A graduate of Electrical and Computer Engineering, he is currently pursuing an MBA at Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom. His expertise includes planning,designing, and implementing clean energy projects, with a strong focus on e-mobility, hydrogen, carbon markets, and sustainable transport solutions.Engr. Adesina has contributed to World Bank and GIZ-funded projects in Nigeria, championed electric mobility awareness, and supported training programs to empower local technicians in emerging clean technologies. Recognized as an African Climate Change Awareness Goodwill Ambassador, he combines technical expertise with a passion for advancing Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future. 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