Mr. Suleiman Isah is the Curator of TEDx Minna – a non-profit organisation that provides idea-based talks and hosts an annual conference. In this interview, he speaks on what they are out to achieve with the programme.
What is the motivation behind TEDxMinna?
After growing up here and leaving for the university outside the state and working outside it for some time was saddening to come home and see things the way they are just like they were in my childhood.
So, the motivation is to have a world-class event that holds globally in the community; then use it to inspire members of the community and also identify community members with like minds.
Also, the wide following enjoyed by the TEDx platform globally will put our community on the map.
How many participants are you expecting?
The event was to hold in March, 2020, but due to the COVID-19 situation, it was postponed. As at then, we had over 600 registered attendees. However, we refunded most tickets so that we can make room for physical distancing and other COVID-19 precautions. So presently we have 100 attendees cut across different sectors of the community: students, public servants, doctors, etc.
We are also expecting over 1,000 people to join us by streaming the event live via the internet. For this, we have people that have registered from across the globe.
What do you hope to achieve with the programme?
Hopefully, after the event, we would have been able to identify members of the community that have like minds and have the development of the community at heart. At the event, they will get to listen to eminent speakers from different sectors of the economy that will ignite their minds and inspire them to think deep on how to better the community and change the present norm. That’s why we chose the theme: “Changing Mindsets”. We believe our communal issues are not infrastructure or leadership or financial. The major issue is how we think – our mindset. If the event can influence a change, hopefully, the rippling effect will better our society.
Would there be a follow up on the participants after the programme?
There will be. Currently, we have the data of all attendees and volunteers. This will enable us easily reach anyone when issues relating to them arise. Also, with the followership we have gathered on our social media handles, we will continue to inspire more people.
How often do you plan to hold the event?
Once every year; with a different theme which would be picked based on issues in the community. However, we may start organising smaller events of the same style for different groups like women and youths.