Shedding light on Africa’s paradox - rich in natural resources yet plagued by energy poverty, Dr. Kachikwu recounts a conversation that questions why energy access remains a privilege rather than a right.He explores Africa’s vast energy potential, the failures in resource monetization, and the urgent need for strategic policies. The talk challenges African leaders, policymakers, and the populace to rethink energy, infrastructure, and self-reliance, urging them to harness local resources, think globally, and prioritize value creation for the African people, as the only way for the continent to effectively progress. Prof. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu is a former Minister of State Petroleum Resources of The Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) 2015 - 2019. He also served as Group Managing Director, NNPC from 2015-2016 and became the only Nigerian to have held at the same time, portfolios of Group Managing Director, NNPC, Minister of State Petroleum, President of OPEC, president Of GECF, and President of APPO. He was the Executive Vice Chairman of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited and General Counsel for ExxonMobil Nigeria affiliate Upstream and Downstream Companies in Nigeria before his time in government.Prof. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu is a visiting Professor in several universities globally including Harvard and three Nigerian universities. He is the author of over 12 law books on energy, contract, investment & petroleum. He is an international consultant on petroleum and energy policy matters to various countries & companies. 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

In this thought-provoking journey, Kate explores the importance of gender equity, social inclusion, and legal frameworks that protect the rights of vulnerable groups in Nigeria. Drawing from personal experiences and legal precedents, she sheds light on systemic discrimination, harmful cultural practices, and the urgent need for policy reforms. This talk challenges societal norms and calls for collective action to dismantle biases, ensuring equal access to opportunities for all. Kate Okoh-Kpina is an exceptional legal expert specializing in gender and inclusion. She has a rich background in law shaped by her family’s legacy. She holds an LL.M in International Law from the University College London as a distinguished John Carr scholar. With over 10 years of experience in legal practice and international development, she has been instrumental in designing and implementing reforms in criminal justice and gender.Presently, she leads the gender, diversity, equity, and inclusion secretariat of the GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS country office. She is an avid reader and prolific writer. Her articles on gender; criminal justice reforms; power and infrastructure; and securities and investments can be found on academia.edu. 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