As the global community evolves amid rapid technological advancement, Web3 experts, artists, and change-driven enthusiasts gathered in Lagos to discuss post-capitalist desires and explore opportunities within the blockchain ecosystem, particularly through Non-Fungible Tokens and their regulation.
According to a statement from the organisers, Ola and Co. Inc., the event, tagged ‘Ileya’ with the theme ‘Post-Capitalist Desire’, brought together creatives, technologists, and thought leaders to reimagine community building beyond conventional capitalist structures.
Convener of Ileya, a Web3 developer and business transformation expert, Mr Obafemi Odejayi, explained that the conception of the event was deeply rooted in its name, ‘Ileya’, which represents a call to bring ideas learnt from the diaspora, books, and global experiences back home, making them realistic, accessible, and impactful within local communities.
“We are bringing back tangible physical art pieces from the diaspora, as well as NFTs and digital art pieces from artists abroad and in Lagos,” Odejayi said, noting that the event served as a bridge between global innovation and local relevance.
Speaking further on the theme, Odejayi stressed that capitalism is increasingly consuming global systems, hence the need to explore Web3 as a tool for community-driven alternatives.
Beyond the broader potential of Web3 technology, Odejayi said blockchain can be deployed for social and community development initiatives such as voting, sanitation, skills acquisition, and the management of community centres, without the need for intermediaries. He added that blockchain transparency empowers individuals by revealing participation and accountability within networks.
“My target audience is not narrowly defined,” he said. “It is for people who want change and are looking to rediscover the concept of demos in democracy. With Web3, individuals can collectively drive meaningful change.”
Contributing to the discourse, artist Chinedu Offor emphasised the importance of education as a foundation for societal transformation. He noted that frustration and dissatisfaction often lead people into destructive vices, but education equips them with knowledge to build strong associations and chart sustainable paths forward.
Among the exhibitors at Ileya 2025 was artist Ayomide Grey, who explained that his works reflected economic challenges, personal identity, and cross-cultural adaptation. “It is our job as artists to reflect society and make issues visible,” he said.
A participant and Chief Executive Officer of Folahan Fabrics, Yetunde Odejayi, described the event as a platform for mental liberation, empowering people to rethink self-reliance and collective responsibility in shaping their futures.
