The Continuous Rise of Nigerian Voices on TED

Kola Kehinde/

The TED movement, launched in 1984, has transformed from a small gathering of enthusiasts in technology, entertainment, and design to a worldwide platform spotlighting diverse ideas.

In 2007, Nigeria made its mark on this stage with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s “Want to Help Africa? Do Business Here” presentation. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s powerful speech followed in 2009 titled “The Danger of a Single Story.” Her insights on stereotypes resonated across the globe, challenging perspectives and inspiring listeners worldwide.

A Wave of Nigerian Insights

Following Adichie’s groundbreaking appearance, a wave of Nigerian voices enriched the TED platform. In 2011, Kemi Adegoke tackled the “Culture of Low Expectations” that often stifles progress, while Jerome Okolo reminded audiences of the importance of learning from history to pave a brighter future.

Over the years, a wide array of Nigerians has brought powerful perspectives to TED. In 2013, Jason Njoku shared how embracing failure can lead to success. Kechi Okwuchi, a survivor of a tragic plane crash, spoke on self-discovery and resilience, inspiring countless people. Music producer, writer, and singer Cobhams Asuquo delivered a profound talk on the “gift” of blindness, his first of two TED talks, highlighting how his disability sharpens his focus and determination.

In 2014, Adichie returned with “We Should All Be Feminists,” making the conversation around feminism more relevant than ever. The same year, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, now the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, gave a powerful talk titled “Don’t Trivialize Corruption, Tackle It.” Also in 2014, Emeka Keazor sought to restore pride among Nigerians by dispelling false narratives in Nigerian history.

In 2015, Nuhu Ribadu, founding chairman of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, spoke in Berlin about the challenges of fighting corruption, aptly titled “When You Fight Corruption, It Fights Back.” Rapper MI Abaga, in his TEDx talk “What if We Refused to be Separated?” emphasized that unity can empower and stabilize Nigeria.

A nation’s strength lies in its people, and in 2022, activist Aisha Yesufu highlighted “The Power of One Person in Nation Building.” More recently, emerging voices have graced the TEDx platform. Tunde Onakoya, the visionary behind the Chess-in-Slums initiative, has shared his mission of empowering youth through education. Young comedian Layi Wasabi provided a unique take on persistence, using clever wordplay to encourage resilience in the pursuit of dreams.

A Legacy of Impact

The impact of Nigerian TED Talks reaches far beyond the platform, sparking conversations, challenging norms, and driving action. From Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s thought-provoking insights to Layi Wasabi’s humorous wisdom, Nigerian speakers consistently deliver compelling messages that resonate with global audiences.

As TED’s influence expands, Nigerian voices are sure to remain a vital part of the conversation. By sharing their unique stories and transformative ideas, these individuals continue to shape the future, inspiring generations to come.

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