TEDxKangiwa

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Aisha Augie-Kuta

  Aisha Augie-Kuta is an award-winning Nigerian photographer, filmmaker, and public servant. She is the current Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC). Previously, she served as Special Adviser on Digital Communications Strategy to the Federal Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, and as Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Kebbi State. Her work spans documentary, fashion, and aerial photography, with a unique style that uses juxtaposition to show multiple perspectives. She often explores themes of gender and identity, influenced by her experiences as a female, mixed-race, and mixed-tribe Nigerian. Augie-Kuta holds a degree in Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University and certificates in filmmaking and curating contemporary art from the New York Film Academy and Chelsea College of Arts. She is a Nigeria Leadership Initiative Associate, Vice President of Women in Film and Television Nigeria (WIFTIN), and a UNICEF High-Level Women Advocate on Education. She has received multiple awards, including The Future Awards Creative Artist of the Year (2011) and the British Council Through-My-Eyes Award (2014).

• Arc. Khalifa Rabiu

  Architect Khalifa Rabiu Tahir is a Nigerian architect, entrepreneur, and real estate developer, recognized for his high-end and hospitality projects across Northern Nigeria. He is the CEO of Construcshop, a real estate development firm behind landmark projects such as The Emirates by Construcshop in Kano, and has worked with global brands including Pizza Hut, Mövenpick, and Skyline University. A visionary in urban innovation and sustainability, Tahir is committed to creating spaces that foster belonging, elevate living, and drive economic growth. His global engagements include participation in United Nations Habitat III and the World Economic Forum, where he serves as a Global Shaper. He also holds leadership roles within professional bodies, serving as Dean/Student Affairs Officer of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (Kano) and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture Youth Entrepreneurs. Beyond architecture, he is a thought leader and dynamic communicator, known for co-hosting entrepreneurship-focused media programs.

• Dr. Mustafa Shehu

  Dr. Mustapha Shehu is a Nigerian development expert from Katsina State, currently serving as the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board (KSDMB). Appointed by Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda in December 2024, he leads the board in driving developmental interventions and economic planning across the state. Before this role, Dr. Shehu coordinated the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) in Katsina State, a World Bank-supported program focused on advancing girls’ education. In 2024, he was also appointed Director of Linkages, Collaboration, and Social Entrepreneurship at the Nigeria Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NIIE). He is a strong advocate for girls’ education, he continues to champion initiatives that promote social development.

• Naufal Ahmad

  Naufal Ahmad is a Nigerian civic leader, technology ecosystem builder, and the Director-General of the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communications Technology (KATDICT). Appointed by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda in August 2023, he is leading Katsina’s digital transformation, positioning the state as a hub for innovation, efficiency, and citizen empowerment. Under his leadership, KATDICT has championed landmark initiatives, including the Katsina Digital Economy Policy, Katsina ICT Policy, Katsina Startup Bill, and the Katsina Startup Council. He also pioneered the iKatsina Digital Public Infrastructure Framework, the Katsina UGP (Unified Government Portal) – 1-Gov Enterprise, the Katsina Digital Bridge (a quadruple helix model of innovation), the Cybersecurity Policy, the Intellectual Property Act, and the LevelUp Katsina program. Beyond policy and infrastructure, he initiated Arewa Tech Fest, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship across Northern Nigeria. Before public service, Ahmad co-founded Kirkira Innovation Hub, the first tech hub in North-Central Nigeria. His impact has earned him recognition among CrestAfrica’s Top 50 Voices in African Tech (2025) and Opportunities Hub’s 100 Most Influential Youths.

• Safiya S Fari

  Safiya S. Fari is a Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader, widely recognized as the founder and CEO of SFARI, a women and children-focused lifestyle and beauty brand based in Kano. With humble beginnings in 2010 when she launched Modest Saloon, she officially established SFARI in 2013 after securing support from the Federal Government’s YouWin empowerment program. Under her leadership, SFARI has grown from a single hair spa with one staff member to a thriving enterprise with three branches, 34 staff members, and 11 departments, including hair and body spa, henna design, makeover, gymnasium, cosmetic production, fashion and design, catering, recreation, mobile salon, and consultancy/training services. Beyond business, Safiya is deeply passionate about mentorship and youth empowerment, actively supporting upcoming entrepreneurs through initiatives such as The Giving Back Project, launched as part of SFARI’s 10th anniversary. Her vision is to expand SFARI across Nigeria and beyond, with plans already underway for an Abuja branch. She continues to inspire women by combining faith, resilience, and innovation in building a brand that empowers and transforms lives.