Following the recent trends in innovative, educative and inspiring ideas flowing into Anambra State, some young people recently organized a TEDx Event to bring people together, share TED-like experiences and other ideas.
The TEDx event which was an initiative of TED licensees, Chinelo and Chizoba Obidigbo, held at Oma Event Centre, Awka, Saturday, October 5, where speakers from around the globe shared their experiences of life.
The need to inspire students and youths through sharing of ideas and stories to change their narratives was stressed at the one day maiden event, with the theme, “Changing the Narrative”.
The programme created an avenue where participants had the opportunity to network, discuss topical issues and proffer solutions.
TEDx which means Technology, Entertainment, and Design, started as a TalkShow in California in 1984. It is today held in over 100 countries around the world and it basically runs on ideas and experience sharing in order to bring about innovative and community change. It featured a host of talented poets, writers, public speakers and artists who took part in musical performances, discussions, dance and lectures.
Speaking at the event, the Anambra State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget Development, Mr. Mark Okoye, disclosed the need to bring young people up through acquisition of knowledge gotten from sharing of ideas with experts and coming up
with innovative ways and solutions to address social issues in
society.
Presenting a talk on, “Understanding the Igbo Identity in the Twenty-First Century”, the President General, Ohanézè Ndígbo, Chief John Nnia- Nwodo noted that the success of any nation dwelt on discovering new personalities, behavior and morality.
He stressed the need to invest in digital technology as a way out of global challenges facing the country.
In their speeches, the licensees of TEDx, Awka, Mrs. Chizoba and Chinelo Obidigbo, explained that TEDx initiative was not just to change the narratives of the present Ndị Anambra but also of posterity.
Lectures on various topics like “Women Getting Ahead in the Commercial Sector” by Mrs. Phillipa Mark-Okoye; “The Untold Story of Depression’’ by Mr. Ameh Zion, and recitation of poems by Miss Chisom Udeoba, among others, formed the highlights of the event.