Recently the foremost online interactive segment #Bazeline featured Mr Femi Babalogbon the organiser of the much anticipated gathering in the city of Ibadan, the #TEDxBodija Conference. He also talked about the need for young people to be creatively active for further resource development.
Read the full interview below:
#Bazeline: We start-off. NIGERIA is widely regarded as a 'complex' political nation, what's your own assessment of Nigeria? #TEDxBodija
Mr. Femi: Perhaps you say that because we have over 250 ethnic groups or because of our challenges. It is rather challenging.
Also, it's a nation divided against itself with a lot of reconcilable differences, and a leadership challenge. Nevertheless we see hope, we see a brighter future. We are the future and the future is NOW. Thank you.
#Bazeline: Ok. You mentioned 'reconcilable differences' affecting d nation's development, could you highlight just two of those.
Mr. Femi: Ethnicity is a reconcilable difference. Religion is another. A nation that fails to reconcile all her differences will disintegrate. We were born first of all as humans, not as Christians/Muslims.
And also, we need to see ourselves as Nigerians, not Hausa/Ibo/Yoruba. Tribalism is a political tool. Thanks.
#Bazeline: A pity the current system does not encourage growth of SMEs, what do you think is/are responsible for this trend?
Mr. Femi: We have an ailing economy. GDP per capita doubled from $1400 per person in 2000 to $2,800 per person in 2012 but 45% of the population is in poverty. How do this 45% understand the GDP data? SME is dying, government quotes data. SMEs cannot access micro credit schemes. When states do it, it is for their supporters. Big government, poor people. As at 2011 24% of Nigerians are unemployed. They give "self-employment" as an alternative, but no stimulus. Thanks.
#Bazeline: Obviously there's no balance between production and consumption - what then could be the way for the youths?
Mr. Femi: The youths have to be creative, knowledgeable and think global. It's not just about creativity; you must give creative solutions aligned with global trends and capable of thriving locally. So you need knowledge to thrive. It's beyond the four walls of universities. It's about innovative competences.
#Bazeline: There has been so much buzz about ONE PARTICULAR EVENT coming to Ibadan - Mr. Femi Babalogbon what is #TEDxBodija?
Mr. Femi: We need to bring in global innovations and be focused on 'outcome' NOT 'income' for business sustainability. But how do you churn out innovations when the stomach is empty? We can't isolate enterprise, the government has a big role.
(1) TED is all about exploring the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world.
(2) TEDx program is for communities to stimulate dialogue through at local level for dev't. #TEDxBodija is focused on #Ibadan
And lastly (3) #TEDxBodija is focused on Ideas, Development, Empower eat and Action. It promises TED-like experience in #Ibadan.
#Bazeline: Ok. Still on the matter, what actually prompted your decision to proposing an inspiring gathering like #TEDxBodija in Ibadan?
Mr. Femi: #Ibadan people go all over the places looking for opportunities. It's time to bring those opportunities down. The theme is 'Time and Space'. It's for people, businesses and communities. Great speakers, great event. We are bringing extraordinary speeches from ordinary people. We are bringing speakers from within and outside.
We are calling on people, young and old, to quickly register for the event. We have limited spaces. #TEDxBodija
#Bazeline: And so curious, how do the people get to register for this great event #TEDxBodija and when is it coming-up?
Mr. Femi: Registration for #TEDxBodija is free. And it's online: www.tedxbodija.eventbrite.com. Date is 30th Nov 2013.
#Bazeline: That's it people, you heard it authoritatively from the Organizer of #TEDxBodija Mr Femi Babalogbon (@Babalowise) on #TEDxBodija.
Don't forget, register now to attend the all-inclusive #TEDxBodija Conference holding on Nov.30 | Register Here @ www.tedxbodija.eventbrite.com
You can also register for #TEDxBodija Conference on mobile via this link: goo.gl/MWKqnA
We hope to see you at the event.
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