DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS
Meet the thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers who will share powerful ideas at TEDxSabonGari 2026.
Dr. Abubakar Siddique Mohammed
Director, Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training (CEDDERT)
A senior lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University and director of CEDDERT, Dr. Mohammed is a leading voice on democratic governance, public policy, and development in Nigeria. With advanced degrees from French institutions, he brings scholarly insight to critical issues of human rights, governance reforms, and youth development.
Dr. Zaid Abubakar
Executive Chairman, Kano State Internal Revenue Service
A transformational tax leader and award-winning accountant driving fiscal governance reforms in Nigeria. As Executive Chairman of Kano State IRS, he's leading digitization efforts and taxpayer engagement. A member of Nigeria's Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee.
Prof. Abdulhamidu Abdullahi
Deputy Coordinator, NACTAL Kaduna State
A seasoned academia and community development worker focused on advocacy and human development. He serves in leadership roles with NACTAL and the Kaduna State Local Government Accountability Mechanism. A regular public commentator on radio and TV.
Engr. Dr. A. S. Abdurrasheed
Lecturer, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
An award-winning researcher and innovator passionate about sustainable engineering solutions and youth empowerment. With a Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering, he has authored over 28 publications. Founder of the ABU Energy Innovation Challenge.
Zainab Nasirudeen Yakubu
Co-founder, Gurd Grains
Zainab Nasirudeen Yakubu is a young tech entrepreneur and JSS 1 student of Albany Science International Academy. She co-founded Gurd Grains, which is building an AI-powered mat drying technology for agriculture. A TechCamp 25 alumna, TEDxFCE Zaria 2022 co-speaker, and GITEX UAE 2022 visitor, Zainab is proof that age is no barrier to innovation.
Abdulhaleem Ishaq Ringim
Special Assistant to Governor of Kaduna State on Economic Matters
An award-winning writer and economic policy enthusiast influencing governance and development discourse in Nigeria. At 24, he became the youngest participant in Nigeria's premier policy think tank program.
Hon. Hafsat Aminu Adhama
SSA to Governor of Kano State on Girl Child Education
A trailblazer in education reform and girls' empowerment who has enrolled over 3,000 out-of-school girls and mentored 10,000+ across Kano State. Leads the World Bank-funded AGILE Second Chance Education Project.
Khalil Kabir Mantissa, Esq.
Assistant Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association Zaria Branch
A resilient legal practitioner with an inspiring story of self-determination. Graduated with a 2:1 from ABU Zaria and Nigerian Law School, now leading his own law firm with a 90% case success rate.
Dr. Ahmad Bello
Resident Doctor, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital
A dedicated physician and public health leader with expertise in global health, epidemiology, and outbreak response. Holds over 15 international certifications and recently earned a Master's in Public Health.
Abdulmuqeet Hussain
CEO, BT Hub
A trailblazing digital leader who has trained over 50,000 individuals in digital skills and innovation. Through partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft and Google, he's creating waves of transformation in education, business, and technology.
Mustapha Salihu Umar
Technical Assistance Coordinator, SABOU Capital
Mustapha serves as the Executive Director of the Northern Founders Community, where he drives cross-sector collaboration and high-growth startup ecosystems. With operational experience across Nigeria's 774 LGAs, he specializes in linking human potential with digital infrastructure. An alumnus of ABU Zaria, NUTM, and Quantic, and an Included VC Fellow, he's committed to empowering Africa’s next generation.
Salim Yunusa
Founder, Poetic Wednesdays Initiative
A creative communications strategist and literary curator promoting creative expression in Northern Nigeria. Founder of the pioneering Kano International Poetry Festival and a freelance journalist with HumAngle Media.
Alhaji Sunusi Abdullahi
Founder and Managing Director, SAJ Foods
Alhaji Sunusi began with a simple but bold idea: produce wholesome, affordable dairy products. Through perseverance, he transformed that idea into SAJ Foods, a Zaria-based dairy company now known across Northern Nigeria.
Dr Fahad Chikaji Ahmad
Doctor of Excellence, Kaduna State Gender Ambassador
Dr. Fahad brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and transformative insight. A passionate voice for inclusive governance, digital innovation, and youth empowerment. His leadership is rooted in integrity and knowledge.
Saratu Samaila
Founder, Muryar Matasa Initiative
A passionate advocate and changemaker whose life and work are deeply rooted in the belief that inclusivity is a right. A young woman with a visual disability, she has dedicated her journey to amplifying the voices of youths and marginalized communities.