Blockchain advocate Rume Ophi, also known as the Crypto Preacher, is set to lead Nigeria’s most significant Web3 gathering the Decentralised Nigeria Conference on 5 July 2025 in Lagos
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen the world converges at the Civic Centre in Lagos on July 5, 2025, for the landmark Decentralised Nigeria Conference, it will not just be another event in the growing timeline of blockchain discussions.
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It will be the culmination of vision, grit, and advocacy embodied by one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in the space: Rume Ophi, also know as the Crypto Preacher.
A former Executive Secretary of the Blockchain Association of Nigeria and a trusted Crypto Market Analyst on Channels TV, Rume has long championed the need for deeper engagement, understanding, and education in blockchain and cryptocurrency.
Now, as co-convener of what is arguably Nigeria’s most anticipated Web3 gathering, his mission is clear: to reposition the continent as a stakeholder in the global digital economy.
“We don’t necessarily need to rely on others to access opportunities,” Rume says. “All we need is to study, learn, and add value. Collaborating with people from different parts of the world, we can earn a livelihood.”
Unlike many who approach crypto from speculative angles, Rume sees blockchain as a tool for empowerment. “Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are powerful tools for knowledge and economic empowerment. We just need to stay informed and advocate for the right policies.”
For him, the narrative around crypto in Nigeria needs to shift away from fearmongering to education. “Our focus is on advocacy—helping people understand that the criminal activities often associated with crypto can be reduced through proper regulation and education.”
In a country where mass adoption hinges on understanding, Rume has made it his responsibility to simplify blockchain for the average person.
As Channels TV’s go-to analyst for the crypto market, he takes pride in being a bridge between complexity and comprehension.
“When I study and prepare, I take my time,” he shares. “I spend time in the library every day, reading books from different parts of the world. It’s quite intense, but it helps me understand the industry better.”
Rume is quick to dismantle myths. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that people believe you can make quick money with cryptocurrencies. Crypto is a tool for wealth creation, but it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme.”
Another recurring fallacy he counters is the belief that government can simply ban cryptocurrencies. “That is not possible,” he insists. “Many people also don’t realize that you don’t need to buy a whole Bitcoin to participate.”
Over the years, Rume has observed a change in how Nigerians relate to crypto. “Initially, cryptocurrencies were viewed with skepticism and suspicion,” he notes. “However, they are now increasingly seen as a viable alternative to traditional financial systems.”
He attributes this change to systemic economic factors. “Economic instability, high inflation, and limited access to banking services have encouraged more Nigerians to explore digital assets.”
But beyond crisis-driven interest, Rume celebrates the emergence of Nigerian-led startups and the community’s thirst for knowledge.
“There’s been a surge in retail participation, greater regulatory awareness, and a deepened understanding of crypto’s potential.”
As Executive Secretary of SiBAN, Rume’s role was both strategic and hands-on. “Key challenges included navigating an evolving legal landscape and advocating for clearer policies,” he reflects.
His tenure saw achievements such as facilitating dialogues between regulators and industry players, launching educational initiatives, and strengthening community engagement.
“We contributed to best practices and standards for blockchain applications in Nigeria,” he says. “I believe the industry is now progressing more rapidly.”
Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are powerful tools for knowledge and economic empowerment. We just need to stay informed and advocate for the right policies,
Yet, he also believes the journey is far from over. “We should involve prominent figures like Aliko Dangote. Imagine tokenizing real-world assets like his refinery—it could democratize investments across the country.”
A Platform with Purpose: Decentralised Nigeria Conference
So, what birthed this conference? “The inspiration was to create a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration,” Rume explains.
“We want to bring together key stakeholders—government officials, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts—to develop actionable strategies.”
The aim is lofty but grounded. “Ultimately, I want to promote understanding, build partnerships, and position Nigeria as a leader in blockchain innovation that can drive economic growth.”
Topics on the agenda will range from regulatory frameworks to Web3’s role in economic inclusion, and from digital identity to the use of blockchain for governance and cross-border collaboration.
Indeed, Rume’s vision is expansive: “The goal is to connect all business sectors across every facet of the economy with individuals in Nigeria. This connection will propel the Nigerian economy to new heights. It’s akin to igniting the next renaissance.”
He emphasizes the role of youth, startups, and venture capital. “We are inviting entrepreneurs and startups to share their initiatives, and we will also have representatives from venture capital firms to discuss how to ignite this new space.”
Global connection is crucial: “We aim to promote links with the diaspora in South America, the United States, the UK—creating a global communication economy that democratizes wealth distribution and opportunity.
That is why the Decentralized Nigeria Conference is the product of a partnership between Nova Phoenix from the United States, and me here in Nigeria.”
Speaking on policy, inclusion, and governance, he says, “It is extremely important for policymakers to engage with experts and stakeholders in the blockchain space. This ensures policies are informed by technical expertise and practical insights.”
Beyond crypto, Rume champions the broader application of blockchain. “It can revolutionize land registration, healthcare, supply chain management, and voting systems. Blockchain can provide unbanked populations access to digital financial services.”
Accessibility, Value, Cost
The inaugural edition of Decentralised Nigeria comes with a modest price tag: 20,000 Naira (approx. $30). “People tend to value what they pay for,” Rume says. “This isn’t just another event. The knowledge, networks, and opportunities participants will gain are immense.”
He sees it as an investment: “The essence of this conference is to teach people how to fish. It’s about empowering them to leverage Web3 and emerging tech so they won’t have to rely on a single income source.
Even if some people cannot attend in person, they can tune in via livestream,” Rume says. “This is about effective communication. We want everyone to understand the significance of this initiative.”
And what does he hope attendees will leave with? “A clear understanding of the blockchain landscape, actionable next steps, and a sense of community. They should leave inspired to contribute to Nigeria’s blockchain ecosystem.”
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This isn’t a one-off,” Rume assures. “This is just the beginning. We plan to expand into other African countries and continue shaping the future of blockchain on the continent.”
