Author Archives: Adedeji Adeyanju

Audu Maikori is a Nigerian lawyer, entrepreneur, and social activist best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Chocolate City Group. Founded in 2005 alongside Paul Okeugo, Chocolate City grew into one of Africa’s leading entertainment conglomerates, launching the careers of major artists like M.I Abaga, Ice Prince. As CEO, Maikori expanded the company’s influence across music, media, and distribution before stepping down in 2015.

During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) tenure, Maikori co-founded the Guild of Artistes and Poets (GAP), a nonprofit supporting young creatives. His leadership earned him the British Council’s International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2007, and Chocolate City won the African Awards for Entrepreneurship in 2011. A committed advocate for social justice, Maikori promotes entrepreneurship as a tool for economic empowerment.

Beyond business, he has served as a judge on entrepreneurial panels for Microsoft and the Chivas The Venture Competition. As a public speaker and creative industry expert, Maikori continues to inspire and mentor emerging entrepreneurs across Africa.

So Join Audu 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

Iretomiwa Akintunde-Johnson is a Public Relations and Communications specialist and is currently a Lead Public Relations and Communications Adviser at ID Africa (a BHM company). In addition to her Public Relations career, Iretomiwa is also an author and a lawyer.

She earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Lagos and an LLB from the Nigerian Law School in 2015. She worked at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice from 2016 to 2017.

Her career with BHM began in 2018 as an Associate Consultant, before she was promoted to the position of Public Relations Consultant in 2019. In 2020, Iretomiwa became a Lead Public Relations and Communications Adviser at ID Africa, where she spearheads the development, communication and implementation of effective growth strategies and processes in the business, including new communications and PR models, and in areas like product thinking and advocacy.

She authored an essay on how trust and truth will play an integral role in government and business, and why Communication will be key to making that happen. In 2022, she was pencilled to lead ID Africa’s operations in West Africa via Lagos and Accra. And was appointed in 2023. She also serves as a Chief Consultant in BHM, effective March 2025.

So Join Iretomiwa 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

Njideka Akabogu Eke-Uche is a PR & Communications Expert with over a decade of experience crafting and deploying communication strategies to help global and Pan-African brands and organisations effectively connect with their audiences across Africa.

She currently serves as Regional Manager, East Africa at ID Africa (BHM) where she is charged with developing and implementing growth strategies, business processes as well as providing day-to-day leadership on clients’ accounts. Njideka has driven communications and storytelling for international and Pan-African brands such as MultiChoice, Showmax, MTN, ViacomCBS, Heineken, The Macallan, Flour Mills of Nigeria and Betway over the course of her career.

She has also received industry recognitions for her work – including Brand Communicator’s 35 under 35 top Marketing Professionals in Nigeria for 2022, Y! Naija’s New Establishment List 2019 and Public Relations Society of Kenya’s top PR Practitioners for 2024. Njideka was also nominated as Rising PR Practitioner of the Year by NIPR in 2022.

So Join Njideka 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

James “Abinibi” Alabi is a Nigerian film director, producer, writer, and entrepreneur celebrated for crafting distinctly African stories. Through his production company, Rockbottom Flix, Alabi creates films and series that tackle social issues and give voice to underrepresented communities.

His work including Miss PJ, Life and Dirt, Last Request, and The Call, has gained both critical and popular acclaim. Abinibi continues to shape the African film landscape by merging creativity with purpose, using his platform to tell stories that resonate across cultures while staying rooted in African realities.

So Join James Abinibi 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

Hammed Adebiyi is an innovative and results-driven marketing leader with over a decade of experience building brand equity and driving market leadership within the premium spirits industry. With a proven track record across top multinational companies including Edrington, Pernod Ricard, and Guinness Nigeria, he has consistently led strategic initiatives that deliver brand visibility, consumer engagement, and revenue growth.

Throughout his career, Hammed has played a pivotal role in shaping the success of iconic brands such as The Macallan and Imperial Blue, leading them to significant market share gains and solidifying their dominance in competitive markets. At Edrington, he has continued to elevate brand performance through integrated marketing strategies, impactful digital communications, and high-value partnerships with aspirational lifestyle brands.

Adept in both brand and trade marketing, Hammed has developed and executed successful product launches, trade activations, and market-driven campaigns that directly translate into sales and brand loyalty. Known for his collaborative leadership style, he has built and guided high-performing teams, aligned cross-functional stakeholders, and forged strategic partnerships. Passionate about the premium spirits sector, Hammed brings a sharp commercial mindset, creative vision, and a deep understanding of consumer behavior—making him a key player in driving growth within the Food & Beverage industry.

So join Hammed 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 Ijabiyi is a seasoned Nigerian marketing communications professional and writer with over 25 years of experience spanning journalism, public relations, branding, and strategic marketing. He currently serves as the Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank of Nigeria Limited and FBN Holdings, where he leads integrated communication strategies across seven markets. His role encompasses public relations, executive positioning, reputation management, and marketing campaigns that align with business goals and drive measurable growth.

Ijabiyi’s diverse career cuts across journalism, telecommunications, financial services, and the non-profit sector. He brings deep expertise in internal communications, digital marketing, CSR, media strategy, sponsorships, and publications management. Known for his ability to craft compelling brand narratives, he has successfully led brand repositioning efforts and data-driven campaigns for blue-chip brands across Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa, and the UK.

A strategic leader with a strong commercial acumen, he has managed marketing budgets exceeding ₦80 billion, consistently delivering over 50% gains in output and achieving significant cost efficiencies. His contributions include overseeing FirstBank’s major rebranding efforts, milestone anniversary campaigns, and the customer-focused ‘Giants’ initiative. Yinka Ijabiyi is recognized for his creative approach, analytical mindset, and ability to translate business drivers into impactful brand and communication strategies.

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

Chichi Nwoko is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and Pan-Africanist dedicated to transforming Africa’s media and entertainment industry. With over 30 years of experience across film, television, broadcast, and sports, she has built a career defined by creativity, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

She is the Founder and CEO of What Media Group, a conglomerate of 16 brands spanning production, talent development, branding, broadcasting, technology, and CSR. Under her leadership, the Group has become a hub for sports, African storytelling, and entertainment, creating platforms that nurture talent and expand Africa’s cultural footprint globally.

A graduate of Columbia University, New York, Chichi has been recognised by Forbes Africa, MIPAD’s Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent, and the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment. Her work in film (Lionheart, Road to Yesterday) and sports broadcasting (FIFA World Cup, NBA, NPFL) continues to position Africa on the global stage.

So Join Chichi Nwoko 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

Jide Taiwo is a writer, media executive, and culture entrepreneur. He’s a published author and has written three books, most recently “K1 De Ultimate: A Legacy Secured.”

He has also written on “Afrobeats: The Backstory” and “Journey of the Beats” documentaries, is the host of Fuji Opera concerts and podcasts, and co-curator of the “70 Years of Music in Nigeria” exhibition. –

So Join The Jide Taiwo 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

Obi Asika is a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and creative industry leader whose career spans more than 30 years. Recognised by millions across Africa as a judge on Nigerian Idol, his influence extends far beyond television into the heart of Nigeria’s creative, cultural, and digital transformation. Asika is best known for founding Storm 360/Storm Records, one of Nigeria’s most successful entertainment companies that helped usher in the first global wave of Nigerian music stars while producing major international TV franchises such as Big Brother Nigeria, The Apprentice Africa, Dragons’ Den Nigeria, and Naija Sings.

A visionary advocate for cross-sector collaboration, Asika founded Omniverse, a platform that bridges technology, storytelling, and creative enterprise. He also co-founded Social Media Week Lagos, Africa’s largest new media and technology conference, and led sponsor rights management for major sporting events, including the FIFA U-20 World Cup (1999) and African Nations Cup (2000, 2002).

In 2015, Asika became the first person appointed by the Nigerian President to a Cabinet-rank position overseeing digital policy and social media. He has served on over 15 federal committees, including roles shaping the Nigeria Agenda 2050, National Development Plan (2020–2050), and Audience Measurement Policy.

Beyond government, Asika has advanced creative policy and cultural innovation as a board director at COSON, trustee of the Online Publishers Association of Nigeria, and co-convener of the Africa Soft Power Project. His thought leadership has been recognised globally—he sits on advisory boards including the Smithsonian Museum of African Art, Africa No Filter, and DAAR Communications PLC.

So join Asika 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

Mary Remmy Njoku, is a Nigerian-born actress, producer, and entrepreneur whose work continues to redefine African entertainment and storytelling. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ROK Productions SAS, a leading African content powerhouse comprising broadcast channels, studios, and digital platforms.

Founded in 2013, ROK has become the largest independent producer of scripted Nollywood movies and TV series, creating over 1,000 hours of content annually and maintaining a vast library that reaches millions of viewers across Europe, Multichoice (English-speaking Africa), and Canal+ (French-speaking Africa ).

In 2019, Mary structured the majority share acquisition of ROK by French television giant CANAL+, marking one of the most significant media transactions in Africa. Beyond film, she is also a co-founder of SPARK, an early investor in Africa’s tech ecosystem with portfolio companies such as Paystack (acquired by Stripe $200m), Hotels.ng, Drinks.ng, and PropertyPro.ng.

Through the Mary Njoku Foundation, she is leading a transformative movement to change the narrative of Africa by celebrating positivity, integrity, and excellence through the power of media. The Foundation’s mission is to make doing good fashionable again. To restore dignity and pride to those who live honestly, work hard, and uplift others, inspiring a generation to see that being good is not only right, but cool.

So join Mary 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