Nigeria’s leading figures in media, entertainment, and technology are set to gather at NECLive 2025, scheduled for Friday, November 28, at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos. The conference promises a full-day deep dive into strategies for advancing Africa’s $4.2 billion creative economy.
Headlining the event are John Ugbe, CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria; Steve Babaeko, founder of X3M Ideas; and Kene Okwuosa, co-founder and CEO of FilmHouse Group. These industry titans will join over 40 other thought leaders to discuss the conference theme, “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.”
The event, organised by Nigerian Entertainment Today in partnership with the Africa Creative Foundation, will feature media executives, filmmakers, music industry leaders, tech innovators, government representatives, and investment experts. Sessions are designed to provide actionable insights on policy, investment, and growth opportunities in Nigeria’s creative sectors.
Prominent voices include Funmi Iyanda, broadcasting icon; Ojoma Ochai, Managing Director of CcHUB; and filmmaker-educator Chris Ihidero. Media entrepreneurs such as Yinka Obebe, Fisayo Fosudo, Jide Taiwo, and David Adeleke, alongside rising filmmaker Nora Awolowo, will also contribute.
The conference will spotlight creative industry pioneers including Moses Babatope, Chichi Nwoko, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Audu Maikori, and Colette Otusheso, with music and entertainment heavyweights like Timi Dakolo, KieKie, and Gaise Baba adding star appeal. Other participants include Obi Asika, Qudus Onikeku, Yolanda Okereke, Moliehi Molekoa, Iretomiwa Akintunde-Johnson, Njideka Akabogu, and Yinka Ijabiyi, with moderation by Folu Storms, Hero Daniels, Seyitan Atigarin, Kolapo Olapoju, and Tomiwo Ojo.
“This year’s lineup reflects the full spectrum of Nigeria’s creative economy,” said Ayeni Adekunle, NECLive founder. “From CEOs making billion-naira decisions to filmmakers breaking box office records, from tech innovators building platforms to custodians preserving culture, everyone shaping the future of our industry will be in the room.”
Legendary comedian Tee A returns for his eighth NECLive hosting, alongside award-winning TV personality and documentary filmmaker Bolanle Olukanni, promising a day of dynamic discussions and thought leadership. Event coordination is led by Henry Ekechukwu, CEO of HUCE VALERIS, NECLive’s longest-serving coordinator with experience managing campaigns for Netflix, TikTok, USAID, Apple, and the World Bank.
Since its inception in 2013, NECLive has addressed challenges such as infrastructure deficits, limited access to funding, weak intellectual property protection, and distribution barriers, despite the creative sector contributing approximately 2.3% of Nigeria’s GDP.
With Nollywood now the world’s second-largest film industry by volume and Afrobeats achieving global mainstream success, NECLive 2025 is positioned to convert Nigeria’s cultural momentum into sustainable economic impact through strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, and investment opportunities.
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