As this year’s Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) schedule to hold in Lagos on Friday, November 28, gather momentum, the organisers, Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET) and the Africa Creative Foundation, in association with ID Africa, BHM, and Huce Valeris, have unveiled an incredible lineup of speakers who will share their expertise, insights, and experiences on how entertainment can power economic growth and shape the future of Nigeria’s $4.2 billion yearly creative economy.
Headlining a roster of over 40 industry titans that will lead conversations on the theme “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise” are Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika, his counterpart in the Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini; MultiChoice Nigeria CEO, John Ugbe; X3M Ideas founder, Steve Babaeko; CEO of OYA Media (formerly Ignite Media), Funmi Iynda and Kene Okwuosa, co-founder and Group CEO FilmHouse.
Joining them are CcHUB Managing Director, Ojoma Ochai; filmmaker and educator, Chris Ihidero; media entrepreneurs Yinka Obebe, Fisayo Fosudo, Jide Taiwo and David Adeleke, alongside rising filmmaker Nora Awolowo. Others are tireless advocate and key drivers cum leader of the creative industries in Nigeria such as Audu Maikori, Moses Babatope, Chichi Nwoko, Colette Otusheso, Qudus Onikeku, Yolanda Okereke, Moliehi Molekoa, Dolapo Amusat, Iretomiwa Akintunde-Johnson, Njideka Akabogu and Yinka Ijabiyi, each offering unique perspectives on the intersection of culture, commerce, and creativity.
The sessions will be moderated by Folu Storms, Hero Daniels, Seyitan Atigarin, Kolapo Olapoju, and Tomiwo Ojo, with music and entertainment figures such as Gaise Baba, Timi Dakolo, and KieKie, bringing star power to the stage.
“This lineup represents the full ecosystem of Nigeria’s creative economy,” said Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and Convener NECLive. “From the CEOs making multi-billion naira decisions to filmmakers breaking box office records, from the tech innovators building platforms to the traditional custodians preserving culture—everyone shaping our industry’s future will be in the room.”
The creative sector now contributes around 2.3 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, with Nigerian films accounting for more than half of Box Office revenues in early 2024. Yet, beneath these achievements lie persistent challenges. Industry players continue to grapple with inadequate infrastructure, limited funding access, weak intellectual property protection, and inefficient distribution networks. Rising production costs, piracy, and monetisation hurdles further threaten long-term growth.
“After more than a decade of facilitating crucial conversations within Nigeria’s entertainment industry, we are witnessing an unprecedented moment where our creative talents are gaining global recognition and commercial success.
“However, we must now focus on building the infrastructure, appropriate policies, and business frameworks that will ensure this momentum translates into sustainable economic power for our nation. This year’s NECLive theme reflects our commitment to demonstrating how creative enterprise can be a genuine driver of Nigeria and Africa’s economic transformation,” Ayeni added.
