The Akin Deko Auditorium at the University of Benin, Benin City turned into a centre of ideas worth spreading on Saturday, September 13, 2025, as students, professionals, innovators, and leaders gathered for the third edition of TEDxUniversity of Benin.

This year’s theme, “Stand Out Beyond the Obvious,” and the event lived up to expectations of bringing together voices, pushing for innovation, individuality, integrity and social change. The organisers aimed to gather people; students, professionals, innovators, who can share new ideas, push beyond the obvious and inspire people to STANDOUT.

The ticket for this event was priced at 3,500 naira, and the event was set to begin by 9:00 am.

Program and Format

The event started with a welcome by the hosts: Mr Treasure Abasiofon Ita and Miss Osatohanmwen Goodness Eseosa, then the National Anthem followed. Mr Isaac Ogieva the licensee of the TEDxUniversityofBenin 2025 gave an opening remark.

Speakers and Highlight

Each speaker approached the theme from a unique perspective, but the messages all pointed to one thing: STAND OUT Beyond the Obvious.

Hon. Kizito Okpebholo, Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Finance, Investments and Revenue Generation, explained that standing out is not about being flashy or loud, but about building credibility through integrity and delivering consistent value.

Mrs. Khatumi Babatunde, social entrepreneur and co-founder of Impactful Academy, spoke passionately about creating inclusive opportunities, particularly for people living with disabilities. For her, true distinction lies in opening doors for others.

Dr. Osahon Enabulele, a respected voice in the medical field, spoke to the audience that change doesn’t always have to come from outside. He stressed the importance of local leadership in health and society, encouraging young people to take responsibility rather than wait for foreign solutions.

Oluwatunmise Olaoluwa, founder of Analytic sages, drew from his personal journey to encourage resilience. His message was simple and inspirational: be bold, stay focused, and keep pushing, because setbacks do not define you.

Itegboje Daniel, a medical student of the University of Benin and award-winning filmmaker, used storytelling to highlight originality. In his words, “The world doesn’t need more copies, it needs your own version of brilliance.”

Kadiri Eseosa Silver (Dulahi), the entrepreneur behind the fashion show “Fashion Junkie”, spoke to the attendees about the strength in collaboration, saying that no one truly stands out alone and that you are your own competitor.

Nosa Garrick, senior partner at F.A. Garrick & Co., spoke about the importance of the environment, explaining how context shapes growth and success.

Pemije Gadimon, a student of Optometry at the University of Benin, and Global Student Chapters Ambassador at KnowTheGlow, closed with a message that says: It is not enough to stand out, you must aim to be outstanding.

Before the big day, the TEDxUniversity of Benin team hosted a Pre-Event Live on Instagram. It happened on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM WAT. The session was led by Hertz Fauzan Kakooza, a brand strategist and CEO of Conduit Group. He used the space to challenge attendees to think differently and to begin setting the mindset for the theme “Stand Out Beyond the Obvious.”

Performances and Connections

Beyond the speeches, TEDxUniversityofBenin 2025 was alive with creative performances. After the talks, there were performances like music, painting and illusions. Also, there were interactive parts like Q&A, games and networking.

There were also networking breaks, where students and the speaker exchanged contacts, shared ideas, and discussed how to apply what they had just heard. In the true TEDx fashion, the event wasn’t only about listening, but about building connections and collaborations.

As the event drew to a close, the sense in the room was more than a talk show. It was all about the idea that standing out requires courage, purpose, and the willingness to challenge the obvious. The theme “Stand Out Beyond the Obvious” had been unpacked in different ways, but it all boiled down to one message: don’t just aim to be visible, aim to be valuable.

TEDxUniversity of Benin 2025 was grand and transformative. The organisers and speakers succeeded in creating an unforgettable experience that will keep echoing in the minds of attendees. Organisers encouraged the audience to reflect on how they can “stand out” in their spheres: in school, in family, in their communities, in their careers.

This event reinforces TEDx’s role as a platform for the exchange of big ideas. “Stand Out Beyond the Obvious” was not just a mere theme, but a challenge. This year, TEDxUniversityOfBenin gathered people under one roof and asked questions, provoked thought, and inspired actions to STANDOUT.