Author Archives: Adedeji Adeyanju

Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade confirmed as Panellist for NECLive 2025

Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade

Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade is a distinguished Nigerian executive and marketing communications expert, currently serving as the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR). His appointment positions him at the forefront of developing Nigeria’s burgeoning tourism and hospitality sectors, a critical component of the nation’s creative economy.

Prior to his public service role, Dr. Fagade established himself as a titan in the private sector as the founder and Managing Director of Sodium Brand Solutions in 2009. Under his leadership, Sodium became a major player in Nigeria’s marketing industry, managing high-profile campaigns for multinational corporations like Coca-Cola and MTN. His expertise spans experiential marketing, brand strategy, and creative communication, built on a career that began in 1999.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Dr. Fagade is a dedicated community leader, having founded the Abisoye Fagade Foundation to tackle youth unemployment through skills training. He also holds the respected traditional title of Aare Asoju Oba of Ara Kingdom. Through his diverse roles, Dr. Fagade continues to bridge the gap between corporate strategy, cultural promotion, and national development.

So Join, Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade 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

Bolanle Olukanni confirmed as host for NEClive 2025

Bolanle Olukanni

Bolanle is a renowned television host and filmmaker, recognized for her work on popular shows such as Project Fame West Africa, The Juice, and Moments with Mo. She is well-respected for her creativity, interview style, and social impact advocacy which have made her one of Africa’s most trusted media voices.

Having previously hosted NECLive in 2021 and 2022, Bolanle will co-host this edition of the conference alongside comedy legend Tee A. She will bring her exceptional audience engagement skills and industry expertise to guide conversations across the conference’s multi-segment format, including keynotes, panel discussions, live performances, Q&As, workshops and innovation showcases.

So Join Bolanle Olukanni 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

Tee A confirmed as host for NECLive 2025

TEE-A

Tee A, is a leading figure in Nigerian entertainment as a comedian, master of ceremonies, and producer for television and digital content. He is considered one of the pioneers of stand-up comedy in Nigeria and is well-regarded for his clean, corporate-friendly style.

Tee A holds several firsts to his name. He was the first comedian in Nigeria to sell out a one-man stand-up comedy concert with his show “Tee-A, Live ‘n Naked,” both in Nigeria and in London. He also broke new ground as the first Nigerian comedian to perform at London’s Hackney Empire Theatre in 2001 and was the first to record and release a Nigerian comedy album.
In addition to his work on stage, Tee A has made a major impact in television and media production. He is the creator and host of the popular talk and variety show Tymeout With Tee A, and the founder of First Class Entertainment, a multimedia and TV production company that has contributed to shaping the industry.

Tee A is set to return as host of NECLive 2025 for a record eighth time, making him the most experienced host in the history of the event.

So Join Tee A 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

Gaise Baba confirmed to perform at NECLive 2025

Gaise Baba

Gaise Baba is a Nigerian Afro-gospel artist, entrepreneur, and cultural architect known for blending contemporary music genres like hip-hop, soul, and Afro-pop with faith-driven, socially conscious lyrics. Since the release of his self-titled debut album Gaise Baba in 2011, which featured the breakout single Follow Follow, he has continued to evolve as both a musician and a cultural voice. His 2020 EP Logo and 2022 album A Decade After further established his signature style—one that fuses Yoruba, English, and Pidgin in a seamless, message-driven soundscape. In 2025, his collaboration with Lawrence Oyor on No Turning Back II went viral, amplifying his reach.

Beyond his music, Gaise Baba is recognized as a cultural influencer, using his art to shape values and inspire change. He is the founder of ARAMANDA, an Afro-Urban music and arts festival that celebrates alternative Christian creativity and expression. Through this platform and others, he positions himself not just as an entertainer but as a builder of cultural movements rooted in purpose and faith.

His impact also extends into social entrepreneurship. Gaise Baba launched the LightOut Initiative, which tours high schools across Nigeria to mentor and inspire students through music and storytelling. He is also the host of The Black Flame Podcast, where he holds bold, thought-provoking conversations, and the founder of Lounge464, a creative residency space that brings his music, message, and community into deeper engagement.

So join Gaise Baba at 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

Timi Dakolo confirmed to perform at NECLIve 2025

Timi Dakolo

Timi Dakolo is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and recording artist widely celebrated as one of the country’s leading voices in soul and contemporary music. He rose to national prominence after winning the inaugural season of Idols West Africa in 2007, a launch that established him as a powerful vocalist with a distinctive storytelling style.

Timi’s discography includes critically acclaimed singles such as Iyawo Mi, Wish Me Well, The Vow, Medicine, and I Never Know Say, as well as his debut album Beautiful Noise.

Known for his rich vocals and emotionally resonant lyrics, Timi has received numerous accolades, including the Headies Award for Best Vocal Performance (Male). Beyond music, he is recognized for lending his voice to social issues.

So join Timi 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

Yolanda Okereke confirmed as discussant for NECLive 2025

Yolanda Okereke

Yolanda Okereke is a Nigerian fashion entrepreneur, creative producer, and renowned costume designer known for her work in Nollywood. With a career spanning over a decade, she has worked on some of Nigeria’s most iconic film and television productions, shaping their visual narratives through her costume designs. She is the founder of The Rani Company, a leading costume design and styling firm, and co-produced the reality fashion show Style Magnate on Showmax. In addition to her costume work, she serves as a creative producer for film and television.

She has also played a key role in crafting iconic looks, contributing her creative genius to the success of major productions such as House of Ga’a, Seven Doors, and Everybody Loves Jenifa.

She won an award for her work on Asoebi Diaries at the 2025 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) and was also honored at FAME Week Africa for Best Fashion Collaboration Film. She has also received nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. In 2022, Okereke became the first African costume designer to host a masterclass at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.

So Join Yolanda 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

Kemen confirmed as facilitator for NECLive 2025

Kemen

Ekemini Ekerette, known as Kemen, is a master trainer, wellness entrepreneur, and movement architect redefining Africa’s fitness landscape. As founder of 6PN Global Ventures, co-founder of PureFitness Africa, and creator of the Mental Muscle Movement, he leads a revolution where mental strength, physical excellence, and spiritual discipline unite. From headlining fitness festivals like VerveLife to curating immersive formats like BiteTabataWithKemen, his work goes beyond workouts – inspiring self-mastery, resilience, and personal power. As Technogym Master Trainer for West Africa, he develops trainers, designs elite programs, and consults for premium gyms, wellness resorts, and corporate wellness initiatives. Through his leadership at PureFitness Africa, Kemen champions community-driven, world-class fitness experiences, bridging indoor performance and outdoor vitality. With a presence that commands and a message that transforms, Kemen isn’t just building bodies – he’s building a movement empowering Africa to train harder, think deeper, and live stronger.

So Join Kemen 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

Henry Ekechukwu confirmed as conference coordinator for NECLive 2025

Henry Ekechukwu

Henry Ekechukwu is a visionary communications leader and the Chief Executive Officer of HUCE VALERIS, an award-winning perception management and signature events design company renowned for curating distinctive, brand-focused experiences that connect deeply with audiences through powerful experiential touchpoints.

With over two decades of professional experience spanning media consultancy, corporate communications, and sustainable development programme management, Henry has built a career at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and impact. Before founding HUCE VALERIS, he served as Vice President, Corporate Brand and Strategy Communications at Dunn Loren Merrifield Group, a leading private investment banking firm.

Under his leadership, HUCE VALERIS has delivered standout social marketing and event campaigns for global brands including Netflix, USAID, TikTok, Apple, Nexford University, Accelerate Africa, Nigerian University of Technology & Management (NUTM), and the World Bank Group, among others.

An accomplished, multiple-award-winning journalist, documentary producer, and long-standing Conference Coordinator of NECLive, Henry also brings an aesthetic sensibility as a professional interior space designer trained at the Interior Design School, London.

He holds a Master of Arts in Media Management (specialising in Strategic Business Communication) from the University of Westminster, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan. He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), United Kingdom.

So Join Henry 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

Tomiwo Ojo confirmed as moderator for NECLive 2025

Tomiwo Ojo

Tomiwo Ojo is a Storyteller and content strategist shaping digital media in Nigeria. He is the Head of Content at Black House Media, overseeing editorial operations for Netng, Neusroom, 234Star, and Orin—platforms reaching millions of Africans globally.
Previously, he led the editorial team at Nigerian tech journal Technext, where he drove significant audience growth and served as Managing Editor for ElectHER. He has also held editorial roles at PACE Sports and Entertainment and Opera News Nigeria, building a reputation for data-driven storytelling and impactful journalism.

His work spans politics, culture, sports, and technology, consistently elevating African narratives through strategic content leadership. He studied at the University of Ibadan and holds professional certifications from Reuters and Google in journalism, data analytics, and digital marketing.

So Join TOMIWO 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

Seyitan Atigarin confirmed as moderator for NECLive 2025

Seyitan Atigarin

Seyitan Atigarin is a TV presenter, broadcast journalist, and media entrepreneur. She is the founder of Abebi and The Good News Anchor, platforms dedicated to storytelling, culture, and community. With a career spanning television, radio, and digital media, Seyitan has worked with leading Nigerian and international platforms, including Channels TV, EbonyLife, Red TV, Inspiration FM, and Arise News Television.

She holds a Master’s degree in International Broadcast Journalism from Birmingham City University, as well as a BA in Mass Communication from Covenant University, Ota.

Known for her vibrant on-screen presence and deep cultural insight, Seyitan has covered some of the world’s most prestigious events, including the 2023 Oscars, the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey, the 67th GRAMMY Awards, and the MET Gala. She currently serves as an international correspondent and Head of the Entertainment & Culture Desk at Arise News, where she leads coverage on global entertainment, fashion, and cultural affairs

So Join Seyitan 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