Held at Filmhouse Cinemas, Lekki Phase 1, the event brought together leaders, innovators, and changemakers under the theme “Transforming Masculinity Through Infrastructure.”

What unfolded was one of the most emotionally charged and impactful TEDx editions the city has seen.

From the moment doors opened, the atmosphere carried a rare mix of vulnerability and excitement. Supported by headline sponsors Café One and Filmhouse, the event created the perfect environment for introspection, storytelling, and bold conversations about the future of masculinity in Nigeria.

When asked what the vision was behind TEDx Admiralty Way 2025, one of the conveners, Kelechi Nwaozuzu, said:

“There are a lot of events celebrating women, and I love them, I’m a woman. But we looked around and saw that there are not many events celebrating men or pointing them in the right direction… There’s a wrong definition of masculinity, so rather than wait for someone to redefine it, we will take the bull by the horns and redefine masculinity.” 

As conversations around gender evolve globally, Nigerian men face a unique set of pressures: to lead, provide, succeed, and remain emotionally guarded.

TEDx Admiralty Way carved out space to interrogate these expectations, giving room for honest storytelling, evidence-based ideas, and reflection.

The event emphasized how infrastructures: physical, cultural, emotional, and digital, shape the way men are raised, perceived, and supported.

The speakers, each distinguished in their field, offered powerful insights on redefining modern masculinity in a fast-changing Nigeria. They invited the audience to re-examine the “hard guy” narrative and embrace a healthier definition of male identity.

Key Moments From the Stage

Abubakar Suleiman, MD of Sterling Bank, spoke on leadership and vulnerability, stating that ‘The current definition of masculinity is outdated and needs to change’ and imploring all men to decide what makes them a man.

Olushola Olaleye, a serial entrepreneur, spoke about the anachronistic mentality of masculinity and how it has affected men’s success in business. He said, ‘We think that for you to be a man, you have to dominate, but what it takes to build successful empires is a level of emotional intelligence and collaboration.’

Obinna Ukachukwu, an Executive Director at Sterling Bank, explored the negative impacts of men hiding pain, loneliness and feelings of inadequacy. He explained that “Real masculinity is the courage to be whole, not perfect.”

Tunde Onakoya, Founder of Chess in Slums Africa, moved the audience with stories of young boys who found identity and healing through chess, reminding everyone that “every boy child  is like a pawn on a chess board, but when he is enabled on his journey of becoming and makes it to the final square, he becomes powerful.”

Each speaker reinforced a unifying message: Masculinity is evolving, and society must evolve with it.

The success of TEDx Admiralty Way was made possible by a coalition of visionary sponsors who believe in the power of ideas and community transformation. They are; Cafe One, Filmhouse Cinemas, Quilo, Visionary Studios, Sterling Bank, BayRoyal International Ltd, Kaldi Africa, Hollandia (Chi), Red Bull, Fruta Jugo, Kaddos Cakes, Cake Mayor, One Bank, Coca Cola(NBC), Boshan, Nutrisnax, and McVities.

Their support enabled a world-class experience and helped amplify a conversation that will shape generations.

A New Chapter for TEDx Admiralty Way

As conversations continue long after the final talk, one thing has become clear: The world is ready for a more compassionate, more balanced, and more intentional definition of manhood.

This does not include the economic constraints that further limit access to necessary resources, with 32% of mobile users reporting frequent disconnections (NBS, 2024).

Despite these challenges, Kade Keyo has identified opportunities for effective networking through professional associations, connections, digital platforms, and initiatives through the “open house initiative” to build a formidable community and ecosystem of professionals where values are offered and needs are met.

In this light, he mentioned that banks, which are often not taken seriously, are not only there to give you a grant but are also businesses themselves.

Demystifying prevailing misconceptions surrounding the banking system in Nigeria, he said, “The bank is there to do business with you; the bank is your friend. They are there to do business with you. So, for those listening online and for us here live, we need to understand this in the light of partnership. The same applies to venture capitalists and angel investors.”

Speaking on the efficacy of business cards and virtual cards for entrepreneurs, and professionals alike, Olayiwola Jaiyeola-Joseph, the co-founder of Buntu and a serial entrepreneur, noted that a business card is an enabler; if he meets someone and wants to do business with them, it facilitates the exchange of information. However, he added that it does not replace the core interest in business transactions. “I think it’s more personal to get contact information; I feel it connects professionals more than a business card would.”

When airing his view, Tanho Attah, the convener, added that regarding business or virtual cards, “We need to acknowledge that we live in a technologically empowered environment. I don’t know how other professionals get deals, but personally, mine have often come through referrals and networking. Most of the time, I receive calls from potential clients who inform me that they reached out to me through my business card. I always take time to go through the business cards I receive and follow them up as needed.”

However, Jason, a sales professional with Pharmadeko, remarked, “A business card is an enabler; for instance, if you meet someone and want to do business with them, it will facilitate the exchange of information. But it doesn’t replace the core interest in the actual business transactions themselves. I think there are a lot of pros and cons regarding the subject matter, but for me, it’s more personal when I collect a client or professional contact. It gives me an understanding that they are interested in not just knowing my brand but in doing business with me.”

On the other hand, Rasheed Ajibola of Mosoptions Consulting noted that for proper documentation and reference, it is preferable and advisable for business professionals to have, exchange, and keep business cards. “The dynamics of business relationships have changed,” said Eloho Tanho-Attah, CEO of SCHIHP Technologies.

But for Donatus, it is better to have a professional business card and exchange it with prospective clients and business associates when the occasion demands. “Seeing a business card reminds and connects people easily, bringing to mind the services offered. Additionally, one may not be taken seriously in some instances without a business card. It makes a good impression. Although we are in an era of disruption and people now use virtual cards, which I also believe are better because, at times, the hard copy business card may not be readily available.”

Other shades of opinions also indicated that business cards triggered the conversation because when the card is requested it presupposes a conversation starter, especially a virtual card which is relatively new. Although this must be combined with the fact that a good service is being offered to make prospective clients remember one service.”

Reacting, the Chief Executive Officer of Studio Universal, cautioned that not everyone is digitally adept, pointing out that many top business personalities do not use phones connected to the internet.

Among other points, the convener hinted that professionals need to ask themselves if their businesses are succeeding enough without business cards or professional cards. The answer to this should determine the direction to take. Additionally, he strongly recommends that businesses and professionals should have business cards, as it is better “to run out of them than to not have them at all.” Tanho Attah said.

The OPEN HOUSE is an entrepreneurs and business professionals networking event powered by KADE KEYO and her partners focused on building a stronger network between all members of the business community; entrepreneurs, enterprises, investors, partners, customers and clients alike. The Inaugural event was held at CAFE ONE Ikeja and powered in partnership with TECH ECONOMY, SCHIHP TECHNOLOGIES, CAFE ONE and STUDIO 10N