LR: Ayeni Adekunle, founder of BlackHouse Media and convener of NECLive (left); and Lamide Akintobi, CNN Africa Journalist during a panel session titled ”The Power to Create” at the 2025 Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive), in Lagos, Nigeria
Creativity, culture, and skills are critical tools for building stronger nations, Ayeni Adekunle, founder of BlackHouse Media and convener of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive), told participants during the opening session of NECLive 2025. Speaking in a conversation titled “The Power to Create” with CNN Africa journalist Lamide Akintobi, Ayeni emphasized that storytelling and creative enterprise can influence society, shape policy, and elevate Africa’s image globally.
The event was held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, bringing together Africa’s leading creators, innovators, and media professionals. Themed “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise,” NECLive 2025 featured a full day of talks, workshops, performances, and networking, highlighting the role of creativity, culture, and skills in driving national development.
During the session, Ayeni announced plans for a new fund to support young creators and innovators who lack access to conventional financing. “Many promising young people, including university students, are forced to take bank loans or divert school fees to fund early projects. This fund will pool resources to back experiments from individuals who may not yet have the track record required for institutional support,” he said.
He stressed that sustainable growth in Nigeria’s creative sector depends on building systems that consistently demonstrate value, noting that money flows naturally toward measurable impact. Ayeni also highlighted the growing role of technology, including live broadcasts and digital platforms, in providing visibility and opportunities for African creatives worldwide.
Looking ahead, Ayeni said NetLife, the platform behind NECLive, will evolve beyond an annual conference into a continuous conversation around creativity, investment, and innovation. He shared plans for regional and international workshops in cities such as Lagos, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Los Angeles, aimed at connecting African talent to global audiences.
The session concluded with Lamide Akintobi praising Ayeni’s commitment to actionable support for emerging creatives. “There’s too much talent going to waste because there’s no money. The lack of funding should never be the reason talent dies,” she said.
As NECLive 2025 continues, industry stakeholders and participants are set to explore strategies to strengthen Africa’s creative economy and position African storytelling on the global stage.