Chris Ihidero is a respected Nigerian filmmaker, producer, writer, and media entrepreneur with a diverse career spanning television, film, journalism, and academia. Known for his storytelling expertise and industry insight, he has played key roles in major projects, including producing the fourth season of MTV Shuga in 2015 and serving as head writer and showrunner for MNet series such as Hush and Forbidden.
Ihidero has written, directed, and produced several award-winning short films. His 2012 short film Big Daddy, which addresses the issue of rape, received critical acclaim and became one of the most-watched Nigerian short films on YouTube. He also directed It Happened to Me, a film commissioned by the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). In 2014, he founded PinPoint Media, a production company that also launched the Lagos Film Academy and the online platform True Nollywood Stories (TNS), both aimed at supporting and developing emerging talent in the Nigerian film industry.
So Join Chris Ihidoro 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
Steve Babaeko is one of Africa’s most influential voices in advertising, creativity, and brand innovation. As the Founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer of X3M Ideas, he has redefined the possibilities of African creativity on the global stage, building one of the continent’s fastest-growing and most awarded independent agencies, with offices in Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Dubai, Congo Brazzaville, Kenya and London.
Since launching X3M Ideas in 2012, Steve has transformed it into a multi-million-dollar enterprise that blends world-class strategy with a deep understanding of African culture. Under his leadership, the agency has delivered game-changing campaigns for leading brands, won multiple international awards, including at Cannes Lions, Loeries, Cristal and earned recognition as a creative powerhouse from Lagos to London.
A born storyteller and brand strategist, Steve began his career as a Copywriter and rose rapidly to creative leadership roles at Nigeria’s biggest agencies before making the bold leap to entrepreneurship. His journey embodies resilience, vision and a refusal to play small, qualities he attributes to growing up in a Nigerian Army barracks, where resourcefulness and courage were non-negotiable.
Beyond advertising, Steve is deeply committed to talent development, social impact and nation-building. He has championed educational reform, spearheaded school renovation projects, and launched initiatives to equip young Nigerians with technology and creative skills. His appointment as Chairman of the rebranding Nigeria campaign, among others, reflects his belief in the power of branding to drive economic transformation.
So Join Steve 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
John Ugbe is a Nigerian business executive and the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria. He began his career with the company in 1998 as a help desk analyst before moving to MWEB, where he served as IT Manager from 2003 to 2006. In March 2006, he became the General Manager of MWEB Nigeria and later joined iWayAfrica Nigeria in 2007.
Ugbe returned to MultiChoice in October 2011 as Managing Director and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2018. Under his leadership, MultiChoice Nigeria has experienced significant growth and innovation.
His accomplishments include the launch of three Africa Magic channels in local Nigerian languages, broadening cultural representation on television; the introduction of GOtv, a more affordable digital terrestrial service aimed at wider accessibility; the creation of the MultiChoice Talent Factory, an initiative designed to train and nurture Africa’s next generation of creative professionals; and the establishment of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), a prestigious platform celebrating excellence in African film and television.
So Join John 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
The editorial board of Nigerian Entertainment Today (Netng) and the organisers of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) are profoundly saddened by the passing of the legendary Nigerian Live Band Grandmaster, Akinloye ‘Akiin Shuga’ Tofowomo.
Akiin Shuga was an exceptionally gifted musician, a revered performer, and a passionate advocate for creativity and inclusion. Stricken by polio at the age of five, he defied physical challenges to build an extraordinary career. As the Founder and Lead Vocalist of the iconic Shuga Band and Managing Director of the Shuga Limb Foundation, he inspired millions through his artistry, infectious energy, and his powerful, personal story of resilience and triumph over adversity, becoming a symbol of hope for many living with disabilities.
In a remarkable career spanning over two decades, Akiin Shuga redefined live performance in Nigeria. He led the Shuga Band to become one of the country’s most respected and sought-after acts. His signature sound, compelling showmanship, and unwavering commitment to excellence elevated the live music experience and earned him admiration across generations of fans, creatives, and corporate partners.
NECLive Convener, Ayeni Adekunle, expressed his condolences, noting that Akiin Shuga’s participation at the 2017 edition of NECLive (NECLive5), where he shared insights on the business and evolution of live music in Nigeria, reflected his deep belief in the power of collaboration, mentorship, and the collective advancement of the Nigerian entertainment industry. His legacy as a pioneer, mentor, and cultural icon will continue to inspire generations of artists and creatives.
While we join his family, friends, and the entire industry in mourning this great loss, we will forever recognise and celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the powerful body of work he left us with.
NECLive 2025 invites a wide range of participants to contribute to shaping the future of Africa’s creative economy.
West Africa’s largest creative industry conference returns to Lagos on Friday, November 28 2025, at Landmark Event Centre. NECLive returns for the 2025 edition at a time when African entertainment is taking over the world, from Nigerian artists selling out iconic venues worldwide to Nollywood productions breaking streaming records.
Nigeria’s creative economy currently contributes approximately 2.3% to the nation’s GDP, valued at over $4.2 billion annually. Despite significant global recognition for Nollywood and Afrobeats, the sector continues to face infrastructure challenges, limited funding access, inadequate intellectual property protection, and distribution network constraints.
NECLive 2025, with the theme Powering Africa through Creative enterprise, will provide keynotes, panel discussions, and masterclass sessions on how we ensure that this cultural domination becomes lasting economic power.
For Industry Professionals: Register to attend and gain access to the masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with over 500 industry leaders.
For Performers: Apply for performance opportunities at Africa’s most prestigious creative industry gathering, with exposure to industry decision-makers, media coverage, and networking opportunities.
For Sponsors and Partners: Explore partnership packages that offer brand visibility, targeted audience engagement, and association with Africa’s premier creative industry platform. Sponsorship opportunities range from title sponsorship to category-specific partnerships.
For Exhibitors: Showcase your products, services, or innovations to a highly engaged audience of creative professionals, investors, and policymakers. Exhibition spaces offer direct access to key industry stakeholders.
For Volunteers: Join the NECLive team and gain invaluable behind-the-scenes experience at West Africa’s largest creative industry conference while contributing to the sector’s development.
For Media: Request press accreditation to cover the event and gain access to exclusive interviews, press conferences, and industry announcements.
All interested parties can visit nec.ng to register for updates, indicate their interest, explore partnership opportunities, or learn more about participation options. Early registration is encouraged as spaces are limited.
The complete lineup for NECLive 2025 has been unveiled, revealing an unprecedented gathering of Nigeria’s most influential creative industry leaders set to converge on the Landmark Event Centre on Friday, November 28 2025.
MultiChoice Nigeria CEO John Ugbe, X3M Ideas founder Steve Babaeko, and FilmHouse Group co-founder and Group CEO Kene Okwuosa headline a roster of over 40 industry titans who will lead conversations on “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise” at West Africa’s largest creative industry conference.
This year’s edition, organised by Nigerian Entertainment Today and Africa Creative Foundation, brings together an unparalleled mix of media executives, filmmakers, music leaders, tech innovators, government officials, and investment experts—all tasked with charting the future of Africa’s $4.2 billion creative economy.
“This lineup represents the full ecosystem of Nigeria’s creative economy,” said Ayeni Adekunle, NECLive Founder and Convener. “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.”
All speakers and discussants at NECLive2025
John Ugbe, whose journey from MultiChoice help desk analyst in 1998 to CEO in 2018 embodies African excellence, will share insights on building creative infrastructure. Under his leadership, MultiChoice Nigeria launched three Africa Magic channels in local Nigerian languages, introduced GOtv for affordable access, created the MultiChoice Talent Factory, and established the prestigious AMVCA awards.
Steve Babaeko, the creative genius behind X3M Ideas—operating in seven countries from Lagos to London—brings his award-winning expertise. With multiple Cannes Lions, Loeries, and Cristal awards, and as a Visiting Fellow at Henley Business School (UK), Babaeko represents African advertising at its global pinnacle.
Kene Okwuosa, co-founder and Group CEO of FilmHouse Group, is a filmmaker and visionary leader who has expanded Nollywood’s reach, spotlighted African stories, and redefined cinema experiences in Nigeria. His leadership has positioned FilmHouse as one of Africa’s premier cinema operators and film distributors.
Chris Ihidero, CEO of PinPoint Media and founder of Lagos Film Academy, will address talent development. The filmmaker and former MTV Shuga producer has spent his career training the next generation through True Nollywood Stories and masterclasses that have shaped countless Nigerian storytellers.
Ojoma Ochai, Managing Director of Africa’s largest innovation centre, CcHUB, bridges technology and creative enterprise with unmatched expertise. Serving on the board of ₿trust (the Bitcoin development fund founded by Jay-Z and Jack Dorsey), chairing the African Tech and Creative Group, and sitting on UNESCO’s Global Expert Panel on cultural diversity since 2012, Ojoma’s insights into Africa’s creative-tech ecosystem are unparalleled.
Yinka Obebe, founder of Popcentral TV, brings expertise on AI and African creativity. The media entrepreneur who transformed an Instagram page into DStv Channel 189 is also co-founder of Mefa, a pioneering network of concert venues launching across Nigeria, and curator of the landmark “70 Years of Music in Nigeria” project.
Fisayo Fosudo, with 750,000+ YouTube subscribers and 110 million video views, will share insights on building sustainable creator businesses. The YouTube Black Voices 2022 honoree and TechPoint Tech Influencer of the Year makes technology and finance accessible to 1.5 million followers across Africa.
David Adeleke, founder and CEO of Communiqué—a media and intelligence company reaching over 140,000 creators, investors, and policymakers across 105 countries—brings his expertise as a strategist and storyteller shaping the future of Africa’s creative economy.
Nora Awolowo, at 26, made history as the youngest Nollywood producer to gross over ₦100 million at the box office with her 2025 debut feature “Red Circle.” The AMVCA-winning cinematographer who has worked with Netflix, FIFA, Guinness, and Sony represents a new generation of technically-skilled, business-savvy filmmakers.
Moses Babatope, Group CEO of The Nile Media Entertainment Group and member of the International Emmy Academy, oversees Nile Cinemas, Nile Entertainment, and Nile Motion Pictures. Recently appointed to the advisory committee for TIFF: The Market (launching September 2026), Babatope has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s box office landscape and bridging Nollywood with global markets.
James “Abinibi” Alabi, whose series “Life and Dirt” topped Prime Video charts in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon, exemplifies purpose-driven African storytelling. The Best Director winner at the 2019 African Film Awards creates content that tackles social issues while achieving commercial success.
Chichi Nwoko, a visionary leader and Pan-Africanist with over 20 years in media and broadcast, has worked as Country Manager of Kwese Free Sports in Nigeria, Executive Producer of the CBS franchise “Kids Say The Darndest Things” in Nigeria, and one of the producers of “Lion Heart”—Netflix’s first West African original acquisition.
Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), brings regulatory expertise and global influence. As a voting member of the Golden Globe Awards, consultant to Berlin International Film Festival, and chair of the AMAA selection committee, Husseini is widely regarded as Nollywood’s foremost documentarist and authority.
Adekunle Adebiyi, Executive Director of Investments at MBO Capital Management, has deployed over ₦6 billion into Nigerian film, supporting 30+ productions now streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. With an MBA from Kellogg and an MA/MEng from Cambridge, plus 22+ years in private equity, Adebiyi represents the sophisticated investment capital Nollywood needs to scale globally.
Chidi Aneto-Okeke, founder and CEO of Groove Platforms (uduX), brokered the first strategic music partnership with Sony Music West Africa in 2012. With nearly two decades of building African digital music infrastructure and partnerships with Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner Music, Aneto-Okeke ensures African artists access fair compensation and global distribution.
Dolapo Amusat, founder and CEO of WeTalkSound—West Africa’s largest youth-led creative network—has collaborated with Joeboy, Lojay, Victony, and Teni while delivering campaigns for EMPIRE and Sony Music. A Recording Academy (Grammys) member and former Google Product Marketing Manager who led Rema’s historic O2 concert YouTube livestream, Dolapo bridges corporate experience with creative entrepreneurship.
Mike Dada, founder of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) launched in partnership with the African Union in 2014, champions Pan-African unity through music. His vision: using music to foster continental identity and promote Africa’s cultural heritage globally.
Audu Maikori, co-founder of Chocolate City Group and former CEO, launched the careers of M.I Abaga and Ice Prince. The British Council’s International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year (2007) and African Awards for Entrepreneurship winner (2011) continues to mentor emerging entrepreneurs and advocate for social justice through creative enterprise.
Jide Taiwo, veteran Nigerian journalist and cultural writer, has spent most of his career documenting Nigerian pop culture across different eras. The former editor of Nigerian Entertainment Today has authored several books about music in Nigeria, making him an essential voice on the industry’s evolution.
Gaise Baba, Afro-fusion gospel artist and founder of ARAMANDA Festival, LightOut Initiative, and Lounge464 creative residency, will perform at the conference. His 2025 collaboration “No Turning Back II” with Lawrence Oyor went viral and has been submitted for consideration at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Timi Dakolo, Nigerian singer and songwriter, returns to NECLive. The musician burst into the limelight after winning the first season of West African Idol in 2007 and has become a mentor for many in the industry, serving as a judge on singing competition shows, most notably The Voice Nigeria.
Bukunmi ‘KieKie’ Adeaga-Ilori, Forbes Africa’s Top Content Creator of 2024 and AMVCA Best Online Social Content Creator winner (2023), built a multimedia empire from viral skits. The Nollywood actress and founder of Accost Collections fashion brand demonstrates how creators can monetise influence while building sustainable businesses.
Colette Otusheso, CEO of Accelerate Media Group with 23+ years of experience, oversees the Accelerate Plus streaming platform, Accelerate Studios, and The Phoenix Project, which has trained over 12,000 young Nigerians. The former Paramount Africa Country Lead, who managed MTV Shuga and launched Africa Magic channels, is among MIPAD’s 100 Most Influential People of African Descent.
Yinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, manages marketing budgets exceeding ₦80 billion across seven markets. With 25+ years spanning journalism, telecommunications, and financial services, Ijabiyi has led FirstBank’s major rebranding efforts and the customer-focused ‘Giants’ initiative.
Moliehi Molekoa, Managing Director of South Africa’s Magna Carta Reputation Management Consultants—named “African Consultancy of the Year” by PRovoke Media—leads operations across 18 African countries. Managing brand reputation and crises for MTN Group, Standard Bank, Old Mutual Limited, and PepsiCo, Molekoa brings nearly 20 years of Pan-African strategic communications expertise.
Hammed Adebiyi, with over a decade building brand equity for The Macallan and Imperial Blue across Edrington, Pernod Ricard, and Guinness Nigeria, brings expertise in premium spirits and luxury positioning. His integrated marketing strategies have delivered consistent market share gains and solidified brand dominance in competitive African markets.
Qudus Onikeku, who has performed in over 60 countries and whose work appears in the National Gallery of Canada’s permanent collection, is CEO of the J. Randle Centre for Yorùbá Culture and History. The choreographer and founder of Afropolis Festival blends Yoruba philosophy with contemporary dance, proving traditional African knowledge systems can drive global artistic innovation.
Yolanda Okereke, costume designer behind “House of Ga’a,” “Seven Doors,” and “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” is the founder of The Rani Company. The 2025 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival award winner became the first African costume designer to host a masterclass at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC (2022).
Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, brings 30 years of experience building Nigeria’s creative ecosystem. The Nigerian Idol judge, Storm 360 founder, and Big Brother Nigeria producer co-founded Social Media Week Lagos and lectured at Harvard, Wharton, MIT, and London Business School. Inducted into the Afrobeats Hall of Fame (2022) and selected as Cannes Lions Music Jury member (2024), Asika sits on advisory boards, including the Smithsonian Museum of African Art.
Folu Storms—actor, broadcaster, media executive, and qualified barrister (UK & Nigeria)—founded F.S. Media, consulting for Tecno, YouTube, Heritage Bank, and Oando. The AMVCA winner, who starred in Red Circle and Crime and Justice, spent over a decade excelling across film, television, and communications with MTV, BET, and Paramount.
Seyitan Atigarin, Head of Entertainment and Culture Desk at Arise News Television, has covered the Oscars, Grammy Awards, MET Gala, and the Coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey. The international correspondent with a Master’s in International Broadcast Journalism from Birmingham City University is also the founder of Abebi and The Good News Anchor.
Kolapo Olapoju, Editor of TheCable and DAME Awards winner, launched TheCable Fact-Check Desk (2021), Climate Cable, and TheCable DINA—Nigeria’s first disability-inclusive news app (2023), which won a Google News Innovation Challenge award. His investigative reporting exposed lead contamination and influenced the federal government’s VAT exemption for sanitary products.
Tomiwo Ojo, Head of Content at Black House Media, overseeing Netng, Neusroom, 234Star, and Orin, previously led content strategy at Technext. With Reuters and Google certifications in journalism, data analytics, and digital marketing, Tomiwo’s work spans politics, culture, sports, and technology.
Iretomiwa Akintunde-Johnson, Regional Manager at BHM, spearheads growth strategies and communications models across West Africa (Lagos & Accra). The lawyer and author manages day-to-day client leadership for Pan-African brands.
Njideka Akabogu Eke-Uche, Regional Manager for East Africa at ID Africa, drives communications for MultiChoice, Showmax, MTN, Heineken, The Macallan, and Betway. Recognised in Brand Communicator’s 35 under 35 Top Marketing Professionals (2022) and PR Society of Kenya’s top PR Practitioners (2024), she’s also Chief Consultant at BHM.
Legendary comedian Tee A returns for a record eighth time to host NECLive alongside award-winning TV personality Bolanle Olukanni. The AMVCA-nominated documentary filmmaker (God’s Wives) and founder of Olukanni Legacy Foundation joins Nigeria’s stand-up comedy pioneer to anchor a day of crucial industry conversations.
Moderating sessions will be Hero Daniels, Kolapo Olapoju, Seyitan Atigarin, and Tomiwo Ojo.
Event coordination is led by Henry Ekechukwu, CEO of award-winning HUCE VALERIS and NECLive’s longest-serving coordinator, who has curated campaigns for Netflix, USAID, TikTok, Apple, and the World Bank Group.
Since its inception in 2013, NECLive has addressed critical challenges, including infrastructure deficits, limited funding access, inadequate intellectual property protection, and weak distribution networks that continue to constrain growth despite Nigeria’s creative sector contributing approximately 2.3% to GDP (worth over $4.2 billion annually).
With Nollywood as the world’s second-largest film industry by volume and Afrobeats achieving global mainstream success, NECLive 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment. The conference aims to transform cultural momentum into sustainable economic power through policy advocacy, practical solutions, and strategic partnerships.
Over nine editions, NECLive has hosted more than 500 industry experts, attracted over 100,000 participants, reached audiences exceeding 100 million people across 50+ countries, and facilitated over 1,000 deals and partnerships.
NECLive 2025 will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
BHM and ID Africa have announced that registration is now open for NECLive 2025, scheduled to hold on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Landmark Event Centre in Lagos. This year’s edition of West Africa’s premier creative industry conference will convene under the theme “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.”
NECLive has established itself as the leading platform for entertainment and creative industry discourse in West Africa. Since its inception in 2013, the conference has hosted over 500 industry experts, attracted more than 100,000 participants, and facilitated over 1,000 deals and partnerships. The event has reached audiences exceeding 100 million people across 50+ countries.
Nigeria’s creative economy currently contributes approximately 2.3% to the nation’s GDP, valued at over $4.2 billion annually. Despite significant global recognition for Nollywood and Afrobeats, the sector continues to face infrastructure challenges, limited funding access, inadequate intellectual property protection, and distribution network constraints.
“We’re witnessing unprecedented global recognition for African creative talents,” said Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and Convener of NECLive. “This year’s conference focuses on building the infrastructure, policies, and business frameworks needed to translate this momentum into sustainable economic power and demonstrate how creative enterprise can drive Nigeria and Africa’s economic transformation.”
NECLive 2025 Features and Participation
The 2025 edition will be hosted by media personalities Bolanle Olukanni and Tee A. MultiChoice Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, The Macallan, and many other leading supporters of the African creative industry have confirmed participation, while over 40 experts are scheduled as discussants, keynote speakers, and performers. NECLive 2025 will include policy advocacy sessions, business development workshops, networking opportunities, innovation showcases, and performance platforms.
Registration is now open for various participant categories, including industry professionals, speakers, performers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and media representatives. Interested parties can register and explore partnership opportunities at www.nec.ng. The conference aims to provide practical solutions for scaling African creative businesses globally while engaging policymakers on implementing frameworks that support sustainable creative enterprise development.
NECLive, West Africa’s largest creative industry conference, returns to Lagos on Friday, November 28 2025, at Landmark Event Centre. African entertainment is taking over the world—from Nigerian artists selling out iconic venues worldwide to Nollywood productions breaking streaming records. But how do we turn this cultural domination into lasting economic power?
Award-winning musicians, record-breaking filmmakers, and industry experts from Nigeria and the rest of the world will convene once more to chart the roadmap for building an industry that matches our global influence under the theme, “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.”
Since its inception in 2013, NECLive has been the room where it happens. Over 500 industry experts have graced the stages, more than 100,000 people have attended the conference, and over 100 million people have been reached across 50+ countries. However, the most significant statistic about NECLive is that over 1,000 deals and partnerships have been sealed as a result of the event.
This is where careers launch, brands connect, and the future of African entertainment gets written.
The speaker lineup for the 2025 edition features industry titans, policymakers, investors with real money, and rising stars reshaping the game. Expect masterclasses, panels tackling funding, intellectual property, and distribution, plus networking that could change your life.
Nigeria’s creative economy is worth over $4.2 billion annually. Nollywood is the world’s second-largest film industry by volume. Afrobeats artists are winning Grammys and headlining Coachella.
But we’re still leaving money on the table. Infrastructure challenges, funding gaps, weak IP protection, and distribution issues hold us back from capturing our full share of the $2.25 trillion global creative economy.
NECLive 2025 is where we fix that.
Artists, filmmakers, content creators, industry professionals, brands, investors, media—anyone who wants to understand how African entertainment really works and connect with the people making it happen. This is your Oscars, your Met Gala, your Super Bowl.
NECLive 2025 is produced by Nigerian Entertainment Today and the Africa Creative Foundation, in association with ID Africa, BHM, and Huce Valeris, with sponsorship from MultiChoice, MTN Nigeria, First Bank, The Macallan, and X3M Ideas.
In five years, when African entertainment has completely dominated the global stage (and it will), you’ll want to say you were in the room when the blueprint was created.
The registration is open. The energy is building. All that’s missing is you.
Don’t be the person watching the highlights on Instagram while everyone else is making history.
LAGOS, Nigeria – NECLive today announced that MultiChoice Nigeria, the leading entertainment company behind DStv, GOtv, Showmax and Africa Magic has joined NECLive 2025 as an official sponsor. This strategic partnership strengthens NECLive’s position as the defining industry gathering where brilliant minds, boldest visionaries, and brightest talents converge to power Africa through creative enterprise.
As a long-term supporter of NECLive, MultiChoice Nigeria’s participation brings significant value to the flagship conference scheduled for Friday, November 28, 2025 at Landmark Centre in Lagos. The company’s extensive platform reach and unwavering commitment to showcasing authentic African stories aligns perfectly with the NECLive 2025 theme, ‘Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.’
John Ugbe, CEO of West Africa, MultiChoice, stated, “MultiChoice is committed to fostering sustainable growth and enriching the lives of professionals in Africa’s creative and entertainment industries. We are delighted to participate in NECLive 2025 and anticipate strengthening our relationships with stakeholders across West Africa and the continent.”
“Having MultiChoice as a sponsor represents a powerful validation of NECLive’s impact on the African entertainment ecosystem,” said Ayeni Adekunle, NECLive Convener. “MultiChoice’s platforms have been instrumental in demonstrating the impact of creative enterprise on Africa’s economic transformation. This partnership creates an opportunity for conference participants to engage with industry leaders who are actively building the foundation for a sustainable industry.”
The collaboration will enhance networking opportunities and provide participating creatives with unprecedented access to industry insights from MultiChoice Nigeria’s leadership team. NECLive 2025 is expected to reach over 10 million viewers globally across multiple platforms including DStv and GOtv.
Organized by Netng, BHM, and ID Africa, with Huce Valeris as production partner, NECLive 2025 will be hosted by popular media personalities Tee A and Bolanle Olukanni. The conference continues to attract corporate and brand partnerships due to its extensive audience reach, influence, and strong ties to industry professionals. Since 2013, NECLive has been Africa’s premier creative and entertainment industry platform for facilitating conversations, innovations and transformations and has involved 100,000+ participants, 500+ industry leaders, and over 100 million viewers.
NECLive organisers have confirmed that celebrated media personality Bolanle Olukanni will return as host for NECLive 2025 on November 28, 2025 in Lagos. 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.
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.
“For over a decade, NECLive has consistently delivered impactful conversations and showcased the best of our industry,” said Bolanle. “The organisers have curated a truly great platform and I am happy to be a part of it.”
Bolanle and Tee A embody the spirit of innovation, authenticity and creative excellence that defines the African entertainment industry. Their combined experience and ability to facilitate meaningful industry dialogue provides the perfect foundation for conversations that will shape the trajectory of African entertainment for the next decade.
The hosts will anchor NECLive 2025 in front of over 2,000 in-person attendees and 10 million viewers globally through multiple broadcast and digital platforms. The conference is organised by Netng, BHM, and ID Africa, with Huce Valeris as production partner, and it is supported by MultiChoice Nigeria.
