Author Archives: Adedeji Adeyanju

Kolapo Olapoju is an award-winning journalist, writer and communications strategist. As editor of TheCable, Nigeria’s leading knowledge-driven digital newspaper, he has been at the forefront of several landmark initiatives, including the launch of the fact-check desk and desks focusing on climate, gender, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). In May 2023, he helped unveil TheCable DINA, Nigeria’s first disability-inclusive news app, earning acclaim and a Google News Innovation Challenge award.

Olapoju’s reporting has exposed lead contamination, environmental degradation, and underage labour, influencing policy decisions. His advocacy on menstrual hygiene management contributed to the federal government’s VAT exemption for sanitary products. He has collaborated with nonprofits like Global Rights Nigeria, and his work has informed global research funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Olapoju is a DAME Awards winner, Fetisov Journalism Awards nominee and an alumnus of the Czech Republic’s Young African Leaders Programme. With 15 years shaping Nigeria’s digital media landscape, Olapoju was recently included in the New Media Conference list of 100 digital disruptors of the last decade.

So join Olapoju for NECLive 2025 on Friday, November 28 2025 at Landmark Events Centre. This year’s edition is themed “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.” Register now: www.nec.ng

Hero Daniels (born Ifeanyichukwu Daniel, 26 April 1995) is a Nigerian comedian, TV host, presenter and content creator from Anambra State.

He began his media journey aged 13 as a presenter at Anambra Broadcasting Service. Over the years, he has hosted shows for Ebonylife TV, Linda Ikeji TV, and major productions. As a comedian, Hero has also created online skits and performed live across Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania. In 2021, he held his one-man comedy special “That’s a Joke Right?” and later planned “Black Friday Child.”

He made a notable move by taking True Love Games, his online dating reality show, to Cape Town, South Africa, expanding its reach beyond Nigeria. Known for his wit, family-friendly humour and engaging presence, Hero Daniels continues to build a multi-faceted career combining hosting, comedy, and digital content.

So join Hero for NECLive 2025 on Friday, November 28 2025 at Landmark Events Centre. This year’s edition is themed “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.” Register now: www.nec.ng

Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun is a passionate storyteller and multi-talented journalist with over 12 years’ experience in broadcast journalism. After more than a decade in broadcast journalism, she remains passionate about bringing new voices and narratives to the forefront. An award-winning broadcaster, Tolulope is dedicated to perfecting her craft and bringing the best of journalism to her audiences.

Since graduating top of her class with an honour’s degree in Mass Communication, she has continued to improve her journalism skills with extensive training from leading international news agencies. She has hosted political TV and radio shows for over 10 years, bringing a distinct flair and presentation style that leaves the viewer wanting more. She had a very successful 7-year run on radio, where her show ranked among the top 5 in Lagos.

So join Tolulope for NECLive 2025 on Friday, November 28 2025 at Landmark Events Centre. This year’s edition is themed “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.” Register now: www.nec.ng

Osikhena Dirisu is a seasoned media and music executive with over a decade of experience across Nigeria and the UK. He currently serves as Programmes Director at The Beat 99.9FM Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, where he has shaped some of Africa’s most influential youth-driven radio programming.

Osikhena currently hosts and manages one of Lagos’s top-rated daytime radio shows The Morning Rush, engaging over a million weekly listeners. Beyond radio, Osikhena has contributed to major album campaigns, including Wizkid’s Made in Lagos and Davido’s Timeless, and has built strategic partnerships with some of Africa’s biggest music stars. He has overseen talent management and operational strategy across four radio stations, leading a team of over 30 staff while aligning content, audience engagement, and music programming with business goals.

His experience extends into the recording industry, where he helps develop hits and elevate emerging talent within the Afrobeats ecosystem. A recognised voice in African pop culture, Osikhena has been featured on MTV Base, BBC, BET, Channel O, and EbonyLife TV. He is deeply passionate about spotlighting Nigerian and African talent on the global stage, bringing creativity, business insight, and cultural expertise to every project he touches.

So join Osikhena for NECLive 2025 on Friday, November 28 2025 at Landmark Events Centre. This year’s edition is themed “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.” Register now: www.nec.ng

Nora Awolowo is a Nigerian creative powerhouse known for her exceptional storytelling skills as a photographer, cinematographer, filmmaker, and visual storyteller.

Starting her career with mobile photography, she has evolved into a renowned filmmaker, winning the AMVCA for Best Documentary, Gold International Impact Price at The Charity FilmAwards UK for Action Aid, getting nominated for The Future Awards Prize for Film, and working on high-profile projects with major brands like Guinness, Netflix, and Disney x NatGeo.

Nora’s work spans various genres, from documentaries like SHINE by Guinness, Baby Blues, to Netflix’s films like LISABI and BABY FARM, and The Order Of Things, to series like MTV SHUGA and recently served as both a Cinematographer and Executive Producer of RED CIRCLE. Her talent has been showcased at international film festivals, including the Paris Film Festival and AFRIFF.

Nora’s directorial debut, a FIFA original documentary, highlights Nigeria’s entry into the 1994World Cup. With a rich portfolio and a keen eye for impactful storytelling, Nora is a pivotal figure in the Nigerian film industry.

So Join Nora for NECLive 2025 on Friday, November 28 2025 at Landmark Events Centre. This year’s edition is themed “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.” Register now: www.nec.ng

Moses Babatope is a leading figure in Nigeria’s film and entertainment industry, with over two decades of experience spanning cinema operations, distribution, and production.

As Group CEO of The Nile Media Entertainment Group, he oversees a dynamic portfolio comprising Nile Cinemas, Nile Entertainment, and Nile Motion Pictures — driving the company’s mission to redefine African storytelling, elevate cinematic experiences across the continent, and expand digital monetisation and access for filmmakers and creators.

A visionary executive and passionate advocate for the creative economy, Moses has been instrumental in shaping the Nigerian box office landscape and building bridges between Nollywood and global markets. Prior to founding The Nile Group, he co-founded Filmhouse Group and served as Managing Director of FilmOne Entertainment.

In recognition of his leadership in championing African stories on the world stage, Moses was recently appointed to the Advisory Committee for the Oscar-qualifying Toronto International Film Festival’s new industry market, TIFF: The Market — set to launch in September 2026 — where he will contribute to expanding opportunities for African filmmakers and industry players globally. Moses is also a member of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the body behind The International Emmys.

Kiekie is a Nigerian TV personality, content creator, and actress celebrated for her comedic skits and lively persona. She initially gained attention through her fashion commentary before rising to prominence as a leading online influencer. Kiekie began her career as a producer and host for a fashion show on Goldmyne TV and later became a presenter on Spice TV’s Style Street, where she analyzed fashion trends.

As a social media influencer, Kiekie skyrocketed in popularity with her humorous and relatable videos on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, often portraying a variety of characters. Her YouTube channel, KieKie TV, showcases much of her comedic content.
Building on her social media success, Kiekie transitioned into acting in Nollywood, featuring in films like A Simple Lie, Ile Owo, Ginger, Last One Laughing Naija, and Muri n Ko.

In addition to her media career, Kiekie is a fashion entrepreneur, serving as the founder and creative director of Accost Collections, a fashion brand known for its bridal and ready-to-wear lines. She has earned several awards for her contributions as a content creator and influencer.

Notably, Forbes Africa named her one of the Top Content Creators of the Year in 2024, and she won the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA) for Best Online Social Content Creator in 2023.

So Join KieKie for NECLive 2025 on Friday, November 28 2025 at Landmark Events Centre. This year’s edition is themed “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.” Register now: www.nec.ng

Yinka Obebe is a media entrepreneur, culture advocate, and AI thought leader shaping the future of Nigeria’s creative economy. With nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of media, technology, and entertainment, he is the Founder & CEO of Popcentral, one of Nigeria’s most dynamic youth-driven multimedia platforms (home of Popcentral TV on DStv 189 and the Popcentral Culture Space).

At NECLive 2025, Yinka brings his expertise on how ideas, services, and products converge to power the Nigerian entertainment marketplace. Through Popcentral, he has championed storytelling innovation, digital co-creation, and hybrid cultural experiences that extend beyond television into physical culture hubs, exhibitions, and live showcases.

He is also the co-founder of *Mefa* , a pioneering network of interconnected concert venues launching across Nigeria, designed to nurture live music culture, empower artists, and unlock new revenue streams for the industry. In addition, Yinka curates the landmark “70 Years of Music in Nigeria” project, archiving and celebrating Nigeria’s sonic heritage while connecting it to global audiences.

A strong believer in the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence for African creatives, Yinka advocates for its use not just as a disruptive tool, but as a practical solution to the challenges of scale, cost, and representation. His thought leadership underscores how AI can amplify Nigeria’s soft power, expand opportunities for creators, and redefine Africa’s place in the global creative economy.

Passionate about shaping the ecosystem where culture meets commerce, Yinka Obebe embodies the NECLive vision of building a thriving marketplace for entertainment ideas, services, and products that drive Nigeria forward.

So Join YINKA for NECLive 2025 on Friday, November 28 2025 at Landmark Events Centre. This year’s edition is themed “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.” Register now: www.nec.ng

Dolapo Amusat is a creative leader shaping Africa’s cultural future at the intersection of music, media, and technology. He is the Founder and CEO of WeTalkSound (WTS), West Africa’s largest youth-led creative network, spanning a record label and distribution division, a marketing and creative agency, a video production unit, and an events arm.

Under his leadership, WTS has collaborated with artists such as Joeboy, Lojay, Victony, Reminisce, and Teni, while delivering campaigns for EMPIRE, Sony Music, and Aristokrat Records.

Previously, Dolapo was a Product Marketing Manager at Google, where he led Africa-wide creative projects including Rema’s historic O2 concert YouTube livestream. He is a member of the Recording Academy (Grammys) and the BET Awards voting academy, and has spoken at Stanford Graduate School of Business, MTV Base, Entertainment Week Lagos, and the NollywoodWeek Film Festival in Paris.

So Join Dolapo for NECLive 2025 on Friday, November 28 2025 at Landmark Events Centre. This year’s edition is themed “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.” Register now: www.nec.ng