On July 5, 2025, at the prestigious Civic Centre in Lagos, Nigeria’s tech landscape will witness a defining moment as financial, blockchain and Web3 trailblazers from around the world converge for the Decentralized Nigeria Conference.
With a bold theme — “Igniting Africa’s Web3 Revolution” — the event is positioned to catalyze the continent’s entry into the future of digital finance, decentralized governance, and next-generation internet technologies.
Spearheading this conference as a co-convener, is Nova Phoenix, the New York-based founder and CEO of LyfebloodDAO — a decentralized autonomous organization integrating social media, NFT marketplaces, and decentralized finance tools.
Alongside Nigerian Web3 strategist Rume Ophi, Nova is co-convening the conference to spark a crucial conversation about Africa’s role in shaping the global Web3 economy.
In a chat with the media recently, Nova shares his personal journey into blockchain, his vision for Africa, and what participants can expect from this landmark event.
From Media to Mission: The Rise of Nova Phoenix
Nova Phoenix didn’t begin in blockchain. His career launched in the world of media, working as a television producer and host.
“I started in local television production, hosting my own entertainment show,” he recalls.
That early exposure to storytelling, content creation, and audience engagement would become foundational to his approach to community-building in the digital space.
As he expanded into video and film production, Nova began to consider the broader implications of media, technology, and societal systems.
“That media foundation motivated me to start a social media company with a clear vision for global reach,” he says. “I saw the power of mass communication not just to entertain but to unite and build.”
This vision, combined with a growing interest in decentralized finance, led him to crypto in 2016. “I was watching the space grow and saw its potential to empower people,” he explains. But it was the COVID-19 pandemic that catalyzed his full pivot. “That was the moment. I said, ‘You know what? I’m all in on Web3.’” And just like that, LyfebloodDAO was born.
At its core, LyfebloodDAO is more than just another Web3 startup. It’s an ecosystem — a decentralized social platform that merges elements of Twitter, Facebook, an NFT marketplace, and a decentralized exchange (DEX). But beyond the tech stack, its mission is deeply human.
“We’re building a global community through our DAO token and a stablecoin,” Nova says. “But our focus is on quality-of-life programmes — education, housing, business development, and technology support for founders. It’s about harnessing technology to uplift lives.”
Through LyfebloodDAO, Nova envisions a new kind of social infrastructure — one powered not by centralized authorities but by individuals, communities, and smart contracts.
The Naija Connection
Nova’s ambition has always extended beyond the U.S. “I knew I wanted to go to Africa,” he says. “I felt like it would be a great opportunity to fast-track blockchain adoption.”
After attending global Web3 events in Dubai and Singapore, he reconnected with Rume Ophi — a Nigerian Web3 advocate he’d known through LinkedIn. “I said, ‘Hey, what’s going on in Africa?’ And Rume got back to me. At the time, there weren’t many events happening on the continent.”
That was all the motivation Nova needed.
“I said, ‘Let’s do this. Let’s organize something in Nigeria and then take it across Africa.’ And now, here we are — Decentralized Nigeria is happening.”
Why “Decentralized Nigeria”?
Nova is clear about the conference’s purpose: it’s not just a tech event — it’s a movement. “The Decentralized Nigeria Conference is about exploring the full potential of Web3 in Nigeria and across Africa,” he explains. “We want to bring together developers, entrepreneurs, creatives, and policy experts to see how decentralization can transform sectors like finance, governance, and the arts.”
The theme, Igniting Africa’s Web3 Revolution, signals urgency. “Africa has one of the youngest, most dynamic populations in the world,” Nova Phoenix says. “The tools are here. The talent is here. The question is — will we lead, or will we follow?”
What Is Web3, and Why Now?
For many Nigerians, the term Web3 still sounds esoteric. Nova breaks it down: “Web3 is the next generation of the internet, built on decentralized technologies like blockchain. It gives users more control over their data, identity, and financial transactions.”
In a country like Nigeria — where millions are unbanked, where governance challenges persist, and where creatives struggle with piracy and monetization — Web3 could be a game-changer. “It can enable transparent voting. It can give artists ownership of their work through NFTs. It can let people build wealth without relying on banks. That’s why it’s important now.”
Despite Nigeria’s early interest in cryptocurrency — with the country ranking among the top in crypto usage globally — the regulatory environment has been murky at best.
Nova believes that needs to change
“The government’s first step should be to create clear regulations that allow crypto platforms and stablecoins to operate better,” he says. “They need to see these technologies as tools for economic growth — not threats.” He points to opportunities for improved taxation, digital trade, and infrastructure development. “With the right frameworks, Nigeria can be a Web3 leader in Africa — maybe even the world.”
Decentralized Finance — or DeFi — holds particular promise in Nigeria, where traditional banking services often exclude rural populations or the informal economy.
“With DeFi, anyone with a smartphone and internet connection can access lending, borrowing, and savings tools,” Nova says. “It can close the financial inclusion gap, especially among youth and entrepreneurs.”
But adoption won’t happen in a vacuum. “We need education, awareness, and better digital infrastructure,” he adds. “And that’s part of what this conference aims to address.”
While the Decentralized Nigeria Conference will feature panels for developers and industry insiders, Nova emphasizes its inclusivity.
“This conference isn’t just for tech bros,” he says. “It’s for students, artists, small business owners, civil servants. We’ll have beginner workshops, creative sessions, and practical use case discussions.”
Sessions will cover everything from blockchain in agriculture to NFTs in entertainment, from digital ID systems to transparent voting technologies.
“We want people to walk away with knowledge they can use — in their businesses, in their communities, in their lives.”
The conference is expected to host a diverse lineup of speakers from Africa, the U.S., Europe, and Asia. From blockchain developers to policymakers, investors to educators, the stage will be set for cross-pollination of ideas.
“This international collaboration is key,” Nova Phoenix says. “It brings in global expertise and also showcases Nigeria’s homegrown talent.”
By putting Nigeria on the map as a serious player in Web3, Nova hopes to attract both capital and credibility to the country’s emerging tech scene.
Indeed, crypto scams are a serious concern in Nigeria and across the continent — a challenge Nova doesn’t shy away from. “We know trust is a big issue. That’s why education is front and center at this conference,” he explains. “We’ll have sessions on crypto safety, responsible investing, and how to identify real projects versus scams.”
The Role of Nigerian Youth
Nova is particularly excited about the role young Nigerians can play in the Web3 revolution. “Nigerians are already creating some of the most exciting blockchain projects out there,” he says. “With the right support, they can shape the global narrative.”
He envisions a future where Nigerian-built dApps (decentralized apps) serve global users, where local developers build platforms for the world.
“This isn’t about catching up. It’s about leapfrogging. And young Nigerians are the key.”
When asked what advice he has for young Nigerians eyeing a future in blockchain, Nova is clear: “Start with the basics. Learn how blockchain works. Join communities. Attend events. Build something — even if it’s small.”
He adds, “You don’t need to be a coder. Web3 needs marketers, designers, lawyers, educators. Everyone has a role to play.”
And perhaps most importantly: “Be responsible. Be safe. And be bold.”
Information on ticketing and registration will be released via the official Decentralized Nigeria website and social media platforms. The organizers encourage early registration, particularly for students and young professionals, as space is limited.
“We’re planning for 1,000+ attendees,” Nova says. “But more than numbers, it’s about energy. We want people who are hungry to learn and ready to build.”
Looking ahead, Nova sees Nigeria not just participating in the Web3 economy — but leading it. “I want to see Nigeria become a regional blockchain hub,” he says. “A place where innovation thrives, where problems are solved with code and creativity.”
He envisions blockchain being used for everything from digital land registries to supply chain verification, from transparent elections to empowering women entrepreneurs.
“It’s not just about money. It’s about dignity. It’s about sovereignty. It’s about giving power back to the people.”
As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria occupies a very vital position. The world is entering a decentralized era, and the question is no longer if — but when — the continent will fully join the revolution. Thanks to pioneers like Nova Phoenix and events like the Decentralized Nigeria Conference, the answer might just be: now.
“The Web3 revolution is happening,” Nova Phoenix says. “And young Nigerians have the talent and drive to lead it. Don’t wait. Be part of it. Help shape your digital future.”
