At the prestigious TEDxNUTM 2025 event, themed "Think Global, Go Global," a powerful message on international success captivated the audience at the Alliance Française de Lagos in Ikoyi. The event featured a lineup of distinguished thought leaders, but one presentation left a lasting impression with its compelling narrative and universal appeal.
The Universal Language of Excellence
Pastor Ayo Ajani, the Global Senior Pastor of Petra Christian Centre, delivered a riveting address titled "Exporting Excellence: Taking Your Ideas Beyond Borders." He presented a powerful central argument: excellence is the universal passport that enables ideas to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries without diminishing their power.
To anchor his thesis, Pastor Ayo began with the fascinating story of sushi. He detailed its origins as a simple fish preservation technique used by Japanese fishermen and traced its remarkable evolution into a globally celebrated culinary art form. He made a sharp and memorable point, stating, "Excellence is a universal language." Just as sushi journeyed from Tokyo to New York through relentless refinement, he demonstrated that any idea, whether conceived in Lagos, Nairobi, or Accra, can achieve international recognition if it is wrapped in undeniable excellence.
Modern Proof from Music and Culture
Pastor Ayo didn't rely on historical examples alone. He brought his message into the present day with clear, contemporary evidence. He pointed to the global domination of K-pop, attributing its success to a culture of excellence in choreography, production, and storytelling that resonates across languages.
Closer to home, he highlighted the phenomenal rise of Afrobeats. He reminded the audience that this sound, which began as a niche genre within Nigeria, has now become a worldwide musical force. This transformation, he reiterated, was not an accident. It was the direct result of artistic excellence that could not be ignored. He powerfully asserted that everyone's ideas have the potential to cross borders, but that the journey is only possible when fueled by a commitment to being the best.
A Standing Ovation and a Clear Mandate
Bringing his talk full circle, Pastor Ayo returned to his sushi metaphor to drive home his final, inspiring point. "Sushi crossed oceans without speaking a word. Your idea can too. Not because of marketing strategies, but because excellence doesn't need translation," he declared. He concluded with a powerful call to action, urging innovators to craft excellence so undeniable it whispers across borders and still gets heard.
His eloquent and thought-provoking presentation was met with a standing ovation, cementing its status as one of the most memorable moments of TEDxNUTM 2025. For entrepreneurs, artists, and thinkers across Africa and beyond, Pastor Ayo Ajani's message was unequivocal: if you want your ideas to travel the world, excellence is your non-negotiable passport.
