News
TEDxUniversity of Benin 2025: A Stand out Gathering of Ideas and Inspiration
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.
The Federal Government has announced an extension of the NYSC programme. It can be noted that the NYSC camp orientation is usually for three weeks before the youths go out to gain experience, employment, and serve the country for one year.
However, the FG announced that the passing-out parade from camp will be cancelled, and corps members will now spend six weeks in camp instead of three weeks.
“The first two weeks speak to laying a foundation on civic responsibility. The next two weeks will look at career mapping, basic accounting literacy skills, business planning and access to finance. The final two weeks, we intend to have focused corps-stream-specific training aligned with the corps member’s designated stream based on his choice, academic background and skills profile.”
With the rainy season in Nigeria, many are wondering if the increase in flooding has now become the new normal. Lots of videos, clips, and complaints have literally flooded online, showing how badly roads, homes, and other places have been affected.
We were used to hearing about the rise of water on the Island since it is literally surrounded by water, but now floods are being spotted on the Mainland as well.
We may not know exactly why this is happening, but one thing is certain—we urgently need a lasting solution.
The federal government reacted to claims stating that the new tax rules will be imposed on telecommunications and petroleum products for Nigerians.
The FG released a statement to explain the process and stated that there is no intention to place taxes on telecom and petroleum products and services.
“Those recommendations do not amount to government policy and are not binding on Nigeria. Decisions on tax matters are taken through established constitutional and legislative processes and are guided by national priorities and prevailing economic realities.”
A Look at the BET Awards 2026 Red Carpet Fashion
Some Of The Couples Seen At the Bet Awards 2026
