Category Archives: NEC

Chichi Nwoko confirmed as panelist at NECLive 2025

Chichi Nwoko

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 confirmed as panelist at NECLive 2025

Jide Taiwo

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 confirmed as panelist at NECLive 2025

Obi Asika

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 confirmed as panelist at NECLive 2025

Mary Remmy Njoku

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

Atinuke Babatunde confirmed to speak at NECLive 2025

Atinuke Babatunde

Atinuke comes with over twenty years’ experience spanning branding, research, media management, marketing, and strategy. She joined Mnet (Africa Magic) in 2014 as the Head of Channel for Africa Magic Entertainment (now Africa Magic Showcase).

In 2015, she was appointed Head of Channel for Africa Magic Urban, where she led the team that converted the channel from a movie-only platform to one that currently provides general entertainment. She also led the team that launched the Africa Magic Igbo channel on the DStv platform. In 2018, Africa Magic Epic channel was added to her portfolio of channels, and she drove the content acquisition strategy for the four channels.

In partnership with different production teams, she ensured that all large-format content like Big Brother, Nigeria Idol, AMVCA and The Voice were strategically positioned within the channels. In 2021, she was appointed the Academy Director of the MultiChoice Talent Factor (MTF). As the Academy Director, she was instrumental in shaping the future of filmmaking in West Africa.

Through her unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of filmmakers, she has facilitated the success of numerous industry talent who have gone ahead to win prestigious awards including the AMVCA.

Atinuke is currently the Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa where she drives the offering of the best local tailored content for the Mass market audience, through packaging channels, scheduling SVOD, mobile platforms, and by leveraging other digital opportunities Atinuke Babatunde is passionate about mentoring and coaching with a bias towards young adults and women.

So Join Atinuke 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

Artistes, fans, media, and industry professionals: Here’s how you can get involved in NECLive 2025!

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.

Steve Babaeko, Audu Maikori, and Kene Okwuosa to Join Folu Storms, Timi Dakolo, Gaise Baba, Others at NECLive 2025: Full list and inside look at all speakers and discussants

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.

NECLive 2025 Speaker - Steve Babaeko

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.

Register now at www.nec.ng

Registration Opens for NECLive 2025. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to participate

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.

For registration and inquiries:
Website: www.nec.ng
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @NECLiv
Instagram and Facebook: @NECLive

Media Star Bolanle Olukanni Announced as NECLive 2025 Host

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.

Legendary Events Compere Tee A Returns to Host NECLive 2025

Legendary event host and media personality, Tee A (Tunde Adewale) will return as host for NECLive 2025 on November 28, 2025 in Lagos. The veteran entertainer will co-host the conference alongside renowned broadcaster Bolanle Olukanni, bringing his signature wit, comedic timing, and deep industry expertise to guide conversations across the conference’s multi-segment format, including keynotes, panel discussions, live performances, Q&As, workshops and innovation showcases.

Tee A, a pioneer in Nigeria’s stand-up comedy scene and much sought-after corporate event compere, has hosted NECLive a record seven times since the conference’s inception. The acclaimed TV host and content producer is renowned for his incredible wit, comedic timing, poise and extensive industry knowledge, being one of the pioneers who helped establish Nigeria’s comedy industry. 

The veteran brings his magnetic presence and authentic connection with audiences to the most defining industry gathering of the year. His proven expertise and deep understanding of the creative landscape makes him an ideal anchor for NECLive 2025 which holds under the “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise” theme.

“It’s always a pleasure being part of this dream that continues to shape and propel our creative industry ecosystem,” said Tee A. “I’m honored to host this year’s event, and I look forward to delivering another exceptional experience as we continue this remarkable journey.”

Tee A and Bolanle 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 signature events production company Huce Valeris as production partner, and it is supported by MultiChoice Nigeria.