Past TEDx event

TEDxBauchi

Building Bridges

Took placeNovember 29, 20257:30 AM - 6:00 PM (GMT+1)
LocationBauchi, Bauchi, Nigeria
FormatStandard
Building Bridges captures the urgent need to connect people, ideas, and communities in a world increasingly shaped by division and polarisation. Across societies today, visible and invisible barriers—social, cultural, economic, technological, and generational—continue to separate individuals and limit collective progress. These divides weaken trust, hinder innovation, and constrain our ability to address shared challenges. The theme emphasizes intentional connection over isolation. Building bridges means fostering empathy across differences, creating inclusive spaces for dialogue, and enabling collaboration across sectors, cultures, and generations. It recognizes diversity not as a source of conflict, but as a powerful catalyst for creativity, resilience, and transformation. At its core, Building Bridges is a mindset grounded in empathy, inclusion, curiosity, and shared responsibility. It challenges individuals and institutions to listen deeply, engage diverse perspectives, and co-create solutions rooted in community realities. When ideas connect rather than compete, they generate lasting impact. Through this theme, TEDxBauchi seeks to amplify ideas that inspire unity, spark meaningful conversations, and demonstrate how connection can drive innovation, social cohesion, and sustainable progress. Building Bridges reflects a commitment to moving forward together—stronger, wiser, and more connected.

Speakers

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

  • Abba Abubakar Aliyu

    Managing Director/CEO, Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria (REA)

    Engr. Abba Aliyu is a leading energy-systems expert driving Nigeria’s transition toward sustainable and inclusive electricity access. With over two decades of experience in power systems, policy reform, and infrastructure development, he oversees national electrification programs that impact millions of households. Before becoming MD/CEO, he led the $550 million Nigeria Electrification Project, coordinating government agencies, private developers, and development partners to accelerate off-grid and rural electrification across the country. He previously spent 11 years at NBET, rising through major strategic roles in power markets and energy financing. Engr. Abba is recognized nationally and internationally for expanding clean energy, strengthening institutions, and promoting innovation-driven economic growth.

  • Deborah Fashida

    Co-Founder, Youth Africa

    Deborah Fashida is a young technologist at the intersection of engineering, accessibility, and social innovation. A Mechatronics Engineering student, she is committed to expanding digital opportunities for young people across underserved communities. She is a global finalist of the Schmidt Futures RISE program for creating digital learning tools for students with disabilities, and a U.S. exchange alumna of the Kennedy-Lugar YES Program. In 2023, she founded Mun Iya (“We Can”), a digital inclusion initiative training youths with disabilities in basic technology and coding. She later co-founded Youth Africa, a platform championing digital access and technology-driven civic leadership. As a Civics Unplugged Fellow, she collaborates with global peers to explore how young innovators can drive systemic change across Africa

  • Maryam Ahmed

    Founder & Executive Chef, Mimies Homemade

    Maryam Ahmed is a culinary entrepreneur transforming Northern Nigerian cuisine through modern culinary artistry and sustainable food practices. As Founder and Executive Chef of Mimies Homemade, she creates refined, culturally rooted dining experiences that celebrate tradition while embracing innovation. Before entering the culinary world, Maryam spent 11 years as a Chartered Accountant and corporate banking professional at Guaranty Trust Bank, where she excelled in financial advisory and client management. In 2024, she was selected as a LAWFF Fellow with African Food Changemakers, recognising her influence in Africa’s emerging food-sustainability space. Maryam holds an MSc in Accounting and Finance from the University of Leicester, and her creative journey continues to be profiled by leading media platforms. She is fast becoming one of Northern Nigeria’s most influential culinary voices.

  • Mustapha Abubakar Gajibo

    Founder & CEO, African Motor Works (AMW)

    Mustapha Gajibo is a trailblazing African engineer driving one of the continent’s most ambitious clean-mobility revolutions. As founder of African Motor Works (AMW), he designs and manufactures electric minibuses and tricycles built largely from locally sourced materials, with ranges exceeding 200 km per charge. His innovation journey began with converting petrol tricycles into solar-electric vehicles an experiment that evolved into a full-scale EV manufacturing enterprise. Today, AMW is expanding into battery innovation, renewable-energy integration, and CNG-EV hybrid systems, positioning Nigeria as a rising hub for green technology. Mustapha has been featured by global media platforms for his contributions to sustainable mobility. He continues to mentor young engineers and is driven by a mission to build a cleaner, self-reliant Africa powered by homegrown technology.

  • Rakiya Abdullahi Babamaaji

    Acting Director, International Cooperation & Linkages, NASRDA

    Dr. Rakiya Babamaaji is a prominent African space-science expert advancing the use of satellite technology for environmental monitoring, water-resource management, food security, and disaster resilience. At NASRDA, she leads international cooperation initiatives that shape Nigeria’s role in global space research. Her research portfolio includes NASA-supported hydrological modelling of the Lake Chad Basin, and she previously worked with the Canadian Space Agency on water-related space applications for Africa. In 2024, she was elected to the Africa Space Council and serves as Vice Chair of the ITU/WMO/UNEP Focal Group on AI for natural hazard resilience. She also contributes to GRID3, the ESA EO Africa R&D Facility, ACReSAL, and regional CropWatch monitoring systems. With a PhD in Geosciences and Civil Engineering, she is one of West Africa’s leading voices in space-enabled development

  • Salma Inuwa

    Chief Pilot, Pyatic Flying Associates

    Captain Salma Inuwa is one of Northern Nigeria’s most groundbreaking aviators and a visible symbol of women’s leadership in global aviation. With over 3,000 flight hours and more than a decade of professional flying experience, she is type-rated on major aircraft, including the HS125, ATR72-600, and Boeing 737NG. She began her aviation journey as a Flight Instructor while pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering an early demonstration of her resilience, discipline, and commitment to excellence. As Chief Pilot at Pyatic Flying Associates, she oversees flight operations, safety systems, and pilot performance, while mentoring young aviators across Africa. Currently studying for an MBA in Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Salma is shaping the future of aviation leadership and inspiring young women to break barriers in male-dominated fields.

  • Usman Umar Zambuk

    Chief Executive Officer, Braverock Group

    Usman Umar Zambuk is a lawyer, real estate executive, and strategic business leader with over fifteen years of experience shaping Nigeria’s built environment. As CEO of Braverock Group, he leads one of the region’s fastest-growing development companies, delivering more than forty completed projects, including urban estates, hospitality apartments, and recreational parks across Abuja and Gombe. With advanced degrees in Islamic Finance, International Affairs, Information Management, Business Administration, and Management, he brings multidisciplinary expertise to real estate innovation, investment structuring, and sustainable community development. A PhD researcher and passionate advocate for sports as a tool for community cohesion, he also manages Friday Nite FC in Abuja. Usman represents a new generation of African leaders blending law, business, and social impact.

Organizing team