TEDxPortHarcourt

Speakers

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

• Christina Ifubaraboye

  Christina Ifubaraboye is the writer-director and producer of her debut feature documentary, Pülö: bloodstream of the Kirike and the founder of IMBUU Media Limited and a Hot Docs-Blue Ice 2022/23 Fellow, with a multi-hyphenated background in storytelling, writing, and strategy across media, public affairs, and the arts. She holds a BA in Mass Communications from the University of Hertfordshire. After graduating and returning to Port Harcourt, Nigeria’s oil capital, Christina began developing her first film, Pülö: bloodstream of the Kirike, now in post-production, while working across Nigeria’s creative industries, from reporting in Delta State and operations at Coronation Registrars to shaping narratives and operations in Lagos, Africa’s most populous Black nation. In Lagos, she curated stories for a culinary magazine and blog, contributed to brand and communication strategy as assistant to the founder of The Ben Enwonwu Foundation, and worked across Omenka Magazine and Gallery. At Evoke Communications, she led campaigns as a copywriter, identified and managed accounts for major brands. Christina’s decade-long, cross-sector experience informs her leadership at IMBUU—a culturally rooted, creatively driven organisation using storytelling to challenge distorted narratives and amplify othered voices.

• Crystal Kizor

  Crystal Kizor is an architect, interior designer, and the Lead Principal of Studio COKA. Her design journey began at 19 with a curiosity for sustainable architecture, and today her work continues to push the boundaries of how spaces can elevate human experience. She is the architect behind Nigeria’s first fully off-grid hospital, and her portfolio reflects a commitment to reducing energy consumption, raising living standards, and exploring indigenous materials to create modern solutions deeply rooted in culture. Crystal is passionate about design that moves beyond profit or repetition. For her, architecture is about crafting environments that serve the end-user—spaces where people live, work, and thrive. She envisions a Nigeria where design is intentional: where materials, construction, and communities come together to create neighbourhoods that stand the test of time, tell the story of the people, and fuel socio-economic development.

• Dr. Bieye Renner Briggs

  Dr. Bieye Renner Briggs is a medical doctor, public health physician, environmental advocate, lecuturer, researcher, public speaker and public affairs analyst. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees from the University of Port Harcourt in 2012 and 2018 respectively. He holds a certificate in Leadership and Management in Health from the University of Washington, USA. He is at the verge of completing his Ph.D in Occupational Health and Safety at the Ignatius University of Education. He is an adjunct lecturer at Remington College of Health Sciences and Techology in Rivers State. He has conducted several researches on the impact of hydrocarbon pollution on public health in different states of the Niger Delta. Dr. Briggs has featured in several international documentaries on the impact of hydrocarbon pollution in the Niger Delta. He is a regular guest on national and international media outlets where he speaks passionately about the devastating impact of pollution and climate change on public health. He has made presentations in regional and national conferences on environmental pollution and climate change as keynote speaker/guest speaker. He is well known for his fearlessness, expertise, passion and quest for environmental justice and climate change impact mitigation within and out Nigeria. Dr. Briggs is a member of the Nigerian Medical Association, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, Nigerian Environmental Society, National Association of Health Educators and Association of Health Impact Assessors of Nigeria. He is the Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Eco and President of the Senior Staff Club of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. He is married with lovely children and loves watching football.

• Ebenezar Wikina

  Ebenezar Wikina has over 15 years of experience working with more than 40 organisations. He is the Founder of Policy Shapers and Convener of the Rivers 2050 Vision, a citizen-led foresight project designing a 25-year development blueprint for Rivers State. Eben has trained grassroots activists in 36 countries across 5 continents through his work at Nguvu Collective. He is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Expert Network, a Thematic Lead at the NESG, and an Advisory Committee Member of the Nigerian Youth Futures Fund. In 2013, he was a volunteer at TEDxStadiumRoad, the inaugural TEDx event in Port Harcourt organised by Donald Okudu, and in 2014, Eben organised TEDxYouth@OrdinanceRoad, the only TEDxYouth event in West Africa that year. While working as a journalist, he produced an exclusive interview with Richard Saul Wurman, the Founder of TED, on The Stroll, an interview blog he started with his Nokia XpressMusic phone. His work has received multiple awards and recognition, including the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Skoll Fellowship, Bridge Fellowship, Civic Hive Fellowship, and the first-ever Soundcity MVP Award for Community Development. He’s an alumnus of the London School of Journalism and Harvard Kennedy School.

• Engr. Dapo Adesina

  Engr. Dapo O. Adesina is a QA/QC and Sustainability Expert with nearly 20 years of experience spanning renewable energy, clean transportation, and telecommunications. He serves as President of the Electric Mobility Promoters Association of Nigeria (EMPAN) and works with GOPA International Energy Consultants GmbH as a Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Sustainability Specialist. A graduate of Electrical and Computer Engineering, he is currently pursuing an MBA at Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom. His expertise includes planning,designing, and implementing clean energy projects, with a strong focus on e-mobility, hydrogen, carbon markets, and sustainable transport solutions. Engr. Adesina has contributed to World Bank and GIZ-funded projects in Nigeria, championed electric mobility awareness, and supported training programs to empower local technicians in emerging clean technologies. Recognized as an African Climate Change Awareness Goodwill Ambassador, he combines technical expertise with a passion for advancing Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

• Lesley John Jumbo

  Lesley John Jumbo is an Embedded Systems Engineer and founder building next-gen climate technology. He is currently building ReforestAI, an AI hardware solution designed to combat deforestation and its impact on climate change. With a background in robotics, IoT, and hardware design, Lesley focuses on creating systems that move beyond prototypes into real-world deployment. His work is driven by precision, usability, and impact, delivering technologies that address urgent environmental challenges while shaping the future of sustainable innovation.

• Obi Imemba

  He is a purpose driven individual with a passion to add value to lives and make sustainable contribution within his sphere of influence.

• Oge Esther Onwuka

  Oge Esther Onwuka is a pioneering Nigerian entrepreneur, manufacturer, and recycling consultant championing Africa’s transition to a circular economy. As the Founder and Creative Director of Icyclenigeria, she leads one of the country’s most innovative recycling enterprises—reshaping how waste is perceived, processed, and repurposed across industries and communities. With a bold vision for sustainable development, Esther has transformed Icyclenigeria into a full-service hub for waste management solutions—offering consultancy, machine fabrication with recycled materials, and the setup of recycling facilities nationwide. Her work directly advances the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), while also creating decent future-proof jobs for blue collar workers promoting local content aligned with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Certified in Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurship by Google and the International Breweries Foundation, Esther bridges digital innovation with grassroots impact. In just five years, she has empowered over 500 entrepreneurs to launch profitable recycling businesses, sourcing and supplying recycling washing equipment tailored to solve specific needs for export grade waste materials. Her environmental leadership extends to landmark projects like the Okurumama Waterway Clean-Up, which cleared and recycled tons of plastic waste from critical water channels. Esther has also managed large-scale industrial waste recovery—partnering with Cisco Construction on the NLNG Train 7 project and the sale of Geo-Fluids Ltd repurposing over 33,000 liters of oil-based mud and 17 industrial tanks into reusable materials. A passionate educator, she is the author of three best-selling guides: Cash to Trash, Ways to Monetize Trash and Aluminum Recycling—empowering thousands to build sustainable income streams from waste. Over the first quarter, the team successfully exported more than 80 tonnes of recycled plastic to international markets. Locally, they fabricated and delivered over 24 recycling machines, resulting in equipment sales across Nigeria and Ghana. Additionally, they made significant strides in environmental sustainability by converting hazardous industrial waste into reusable, eco-safe materials—reinforcing their commitment to circular economy solutions. Her influence continues to grow through strategic partnerships with industry leaders including Bloo, Cici Recycling Company, as well as multiple government and NGO-led initiatives. Through these collaborations, she has not only increased the export capacity of recycled waste materials to countries like Israel and Egypt, but has also nurtured cross-sector business opportunities within the ever-expanding circular economy . Through bold innovation, inclusive job creation, and environmental stewardship, Oge Esther Onwuka is redefining what's possible in Africa’s green economy. Her mission is clear: to build a world where sustainability is not a choice—but a powerful, profitable way of life.

• Prof. Magnus Chidi Onuoha

  President , Governing Council, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations Alliance ( REEEAA) Prof. Magnus Chidi Onuoha a University of Port Harcourt Nigeria trained Development Economist and a Research Member of the Green Economic Institute (GEI) at UK, where he currently serves on the editorial board of GEI. An Associate Research Fellow at Africa Heritage Institution (formerly African Institute for Applied Economics, Enugu), Research Member/Consultant at Africa Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network Kenya. He is also a Research Member of the UK government funded Governing Inclusive Green Growth Africa (GIGGA) Network coordinated by the University of Reading, UK. He is a professor of Climate Change and Green Economy and presently President, Governing Council of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations (REEEA- Alliance) where he is at the driver seat in ensuring that the Federal Government of Nigeria takes renewable and energy efficient markets as mainstream investments supported by Feed-in- Tariffs as is obtainable in other climes. He also served as the immediate past President of Sustainable Energy Practitioners Association of Nigeria (SEPAN). He is the Executive Director of West Africa Green Economic Development Institute (WAGEDI), Gregory University Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria; and Rector, Asteven Energy Institute, Nigeria. Between 2004 and 2015 he was a Senior Adviser at Nigeria's National Assembly where he brought his wealth of experience to bare especially in the areas of energy, climate change and environment, defense, Inter- Parliamentary Union (Young Parliamentarian Forum, Nigeria chapter, amongst others. He is also a Member of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Roaster of Expert on Green House Gas Inventory (GHGI) Quality Assurance.He is also a Member of Nigeria Climate Change Response Programme (NCCRP) a European Union funded four-year programme, where he chairs the Waste Sector Work Group. Prof. Onuoha has varied research interest in the marine environment especially with respect to blue economy paradigm, pollution control and abatement and presently member Technical Work Group for GHG Inventory and MRV processes at Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Just recently he was part of the 3-man team of African consultants commissioned by Africa Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network Kenya and Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) that developed a framework for Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Implementation index as well as monitoring/tracking tools for Africa. The process of turning the index into an app is ongoing. Recently he is among the authors of recently launched Mobilizing Investment for Clean Energy in Nigeria, a solution driven collaborative research work of the REEEA-Alliance with the World Economic Forum. Currently, he is the legal and regulatory expert in the ongoing World Bank funded Regional Off- grid Energy Access Project (ROGEAP) implemented by ECOWAS for fifteen (15) ECOWAS and Four Sahelian countries. He was also recently appointed as a member of the Pool of Experts of the UN Regular Process / third World Ocean Assessment (WOA III). Prof. Onuoha is the author of four books and co-authored 4 as well, with several published papers in national and international journals. His forthcoming books 'Greening the Nigerian Economy' and 'Greening the Global Economy' and ‘Climate Crisis and Energy Transition: The Basics’ promises to excite and stimulate the knowledge world. He is married with Children.

• Ross Alabo-George

  Ross Alabo-George, a distinguished expert in earth observation and geospatial systems, boasts over 22 years of industry experience in Environmental Sciences, Agro-Ecology, Sustainable Land Use, and Climate-Smart Agriculture. Born on January 2, 1979, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, he embarked on his academic journey at the Federal Government College, Sokoto, before earning degrees from the University of Uyo and Colorado Technical University. His educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Master's degree in Software Engineering, and another in Earth Observation/Remote Sensing & GIS. As the visionary founder and Principal Consultant of Proxy Logics Limited, established in 2006, Ross Alabo-George has left an indelible mark on the industry. Pioneering digital mobile mapping in Nigeria, he played a crucial role in deploying digital Nigerian maps on mobile devices and Google Maps. Throughout his illustrious career, Ross has been a linchpin in numerous local and international projects, collaborating with multinational companies, public agencies, the World Bank, Africa Development, and the Economic Community for West African States. Notable achievements include leading the National Environmental Sensitivity Index Mapping Project, overseeing the Designation of Marine Protected Areas for Nigeria Coastal Waters, and orchestrating the Designation of Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) for the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Ross Alabo-George's expertise extends to environmental information management, as demonstrated by his leadership in developing the Niger Delta Environmental Information Management System (EIMS) for the Niger Delta Development Commission. Serving as the technical lead for the Abidjan-Lagos Highway Corridor LIDAR Survey for Lot 2 (ECOWAS) further showcases his commitment to advancing the field. In the agricultural sector, Ross has been instrumental in the Nigeria Agricultural Land Use Classification Project, championing digital and precision agriculture. He has supervised the digitization and mapping of over one million hectares of smallholder farms across Nigeria, working closely with agricultural commodity associations and outgrowers. Additionally, he led the Digital Agriculture component of the Benin Republic Rice Project with Atda/EGTA. Beyond his professional endeavours, Ross Alabo-George serves as a director in several esteemed companies, including OEC Engineering, AeroGeodetica, Marble Arch Technologies, ERG Agro, and Ecologix Environmental Solutions. His dedication to societal welfare is evident through his role as a member of the board of trustees of The Opu-Alabo Foundation and Resilience Aid International. In essence, Ross's unwavering commitment lies in deploying technology to address development challenges in Africa, particularly in the crucial areas of environment, agriculture, and sustainable development. His multifaceted contributions continue to shape the landscape of earth observation and geospatial systems, leaving a lasting legacy in the pursuit of a better future for the continent.

• Varnessa Kayen Varlyngton

  Varnessa Kayen Varlyngton is an indigenous 14-year-old Gen-Alpha leader, Ashoka Young Changemaker, artivist, and award-winning writer, poet, and author of the book "AMAMA". She has been dedicated to raising awareness about climate change and other forms of environmental degradation since the age of 7. Varnessa serves as the founder and executive director of Egalitarianism For Earth, using it as a medium to advocate for green development, climate education,tackling environmental injustice from a civic perspective and children's participation in the climate space. She has been effectively involved in curriculum reforms with the inculcation of climate education in the school curriculum through her role as the First Nigerian and Youngest Ever United Nations Climate Change Learn Champion, Egalitarianism For Earth and through the 2025 UN National Voluntary Reviews where she was selected as one of the representatives of the UNICEF GenU 9JA Young People's Action Team in which she is currently part of. Varnessa also changes the narrative for climate communications bridging innovation and creativity by developing projects such as the Stories Incubator Lab and being a speaker at COP 16.