L-R: 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
The 2025 Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) kicked off 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,” the conference featured a full day of talks, workshops, performances, and networking, all designed to explore the future of Africa’s creative industries and the role of culture, storytelling, and skills in driving national development.
During the opening session titled “The Power to Create,” Ayeni Adekunle, founder of BlackHouse Media and convener of NECLive, emphasised the transformative potential of creativity. “Creativity is more than entertainment, it is a catalyst for national development. The stakes are high. If we don’t get it right, the West will continue to create content for us and the benefits will flow away from our talent,” he said.
Ayeni announced plans for a new fund to support emerging creators 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 also highlighted the importance of sustainable growth and technology in the creative sector. “Money naturally flows toward value, and for our industry to thrive, we must create pathways that allow emerging talent to develop without risking their personal savings,” He added, noting that digital platforms now enable African creators to reach global audiences like never before.
CNN Africa journalist Lamide Akintobi praised Ayeni’s proactive approach: “It’s inspiring to see someone who has talked about the creative sector for years now put plans and resources behind it, this fund is exactly what emerging talent needs to succeed.”
Looking ahead, Ayeni said NECLive will evolve into a continuous conversation around creativity, investment, and innovation, with regional and international workshops connecting African talent to global audiences.