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
“Creativity is more than entertainment; it is a catalyst for national development,” said Ayeni Adekunle, founder of BlackHouse Media and convener of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive), during the opening session of NECLive 2025. In a conversation titled “The Power to Create” with CNN Africa journalist Lamide Akintobi, Ayeni highlighted the role of storytelling, culture, and creative enterprise in shaping society, influencing policy, and elevating Africa’s global image.
The 2025 NECLive 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,” the event featured talks, workshops, performances, and networking aimed at unlocking the continent’s creative potential.
During the session, Ayeni outlined the economic and social stakes of Nigeria’s creative sector. “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. He emphasised that creativity can address societal challenges while strengthening national identity.
He also announced plans for a new fund to support emerging creators lacking access to traditional 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 explained.
He added that sustainable growth requires systems that consistently demonstrate value. “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,” Ayeni said, highlighting the role of digital platforms in expanding visibility and opportunity.
Lamide Akintobi also praised Ayeni’s proactive approach, noting, “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 saidNECLive, will evolve into a continuous conversation on creativity, investment, and innovation, connecting African talent to global audiences through regional and international workshops.
NECLive 2025 continues to provide a platform for strengthening Africa’s creative economy and positioning creativity as a core driver of national development.