The Convener of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) and Group Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair of BHM Holdings, Ayeni Adekunle, has expressed confidence in Africa’s capacity to shape the future of global entertainment, calling for greater investment in talent, fresh ideas and innovative solutions to build an industry that can compete on the world stage.
Ayeni Adekunle made this known at the NECLive x The Macallan Dinner and whisky-tasting experience held in Lagos on Tuesday, November 10, ahead of the 11th edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference scheduled for Thursday, November 12.
Speaking at the gathering, which brought together leading figures from Nigeria’s entertainment, media and corporate sectors, Adekunle raised a toast to what he described as the three defining elements of the industry’s future: youth, freshness and the power of possibilities.
He said, “I believe very firmly that the ideas, the people and the products that will shape the world will come from Africa. We have an unbelievable opportunity to shape how the world thinks about Nigeria and Africa through the power of entertainment.”
He further emphasised the need for the industry to look beyond its growing international recognition and focus on maximising the economic value of its creative output, highlighting the role of entertainment in supporting businesses, creating livelihoods and contributing to economic growth.
The dinner welcomed an impressive mix of industry stakeholders, including Diran Olojo, Group Head, Corporate Affairs at First City Monument Bank; Dayo Fagade, Director of Global Sales and Business Development; Ayo Animashaun, Founder of The Headies and HipTV; Deji Awokoya, General Manager, The Beat 99.9FM and Classic FM; Kelvin Orifa, marketing strategist, entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of EMBlue; Uzoamaka Power; Chimezie Imo; Motolani Alake, Marketing, Commercial and Business Development, Africa at Virgin Music Group; Hammed Adebiyi, Senior Brand Manager for Edrington’s portfolio, Ayeni Adekunle, Convener of NECLive and Group Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair of BHM Holdings; Njideka Akabogu, Managing Director, ID Africa; Iretomiwa Akintunde-Johnson, Managing Director, BHM and many more.
The gathering provided an opportunity for guests to connect ahead of the conference and share what they hoped to take away from this year’s edition. Their expectations included meaningful conversations, fresh industry insights, valuable connections and opportunities to advance the creative sector.
For The Macallan, its sponsorship of NECLive reflects an engagement with Nigeria’s evolving creative and cultural landscape. Its association with the dinner brought the brand into a gathering of influential voices across entertainment, business and media, supporting a platform focused on the people and ideas shaping the industry’s future.
This year’s NECLive, themed “Home Advantage: Transforming Local Demand into Global Power,” will examine how Nigeria can translate its growing cultural influence and domestic market strength into sustainable economic value and greater global competitiveness.