NECLive 2025 is set to celebrate creativity, influence, and female power. On November 28, some of Africa’s most inspiring women, including Folu Storms, Seyitan Atigarin, Yolanda Okereke, Nora Awolowo, A’isha Umar Mumuni, Atinuke Babatunde, Mary Remmy Njoku, and more, will take centre stage, each bringing their unique expertise to the theme: “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.” From trailblazing storytellers to industry innovators, this year’s lineup promises insights, bold visions, and ideas that will spark conversations, inspire change, and showcase the unstoppable talent shaping Africa’s creative landscape.
Folu Storms
Folu Storms is a multifaceted creative entrepreneur, actor, broadcaster, and trained lawyer—bringing over ten years of expertise in Africa’s film, television, radio, and communications sectors. Her career spans work with major platforms like Inspiration FM, Smooth FM, NdaniTV, Red TV, MTV, BET, and Paramount International Studios. She has also appeared in standout screen projects such as Unmarried and Crime and Justice.
Through her company, F.S. Media, she has executed high-impact communications strategies for brands including Tecno, YouTube, Heritage Bank, and Oando. A committed voice for African culture, gender equity, and women’s economic progress, Folu is also a highly sought-after speaker who helps individuals and organisations boost their visibility, develop strong personal brands, and craft meaningful narratives.
Seyitan Atigarin
Seyitan Atigarin is a broadcast journalist, TV host, and media entrepreneur. She is the founder of Abebi and The Good News Anchor—platforms focused on storytelling, culture, and community impact. Her career cuts across television, radio, and digital media, with experience at top Nigerian and international outlets such as Channels TV, EbonyLife, Red TV, Inspiration FM, and Arise News.
She earned her Master’s in International Broadcast Journalism from Birmingham City University and holds a BA in Mass Communication from Covenant University. Recognised for her energetic on-screen style and rich cultural perspective, Seyitan has reported from major global events including the 2023 Oscars, the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the 67th GRAMMY Awards, and the MET Gala. She currently serves as an international correspondent and leads the Entertainment & Culture Desk at Arise News, overseeing coverage of global entertainment, fashion, and cultural stories.
Yolanda Okereke
Yolanda Okereke is a celebrated Nigerian fashion entrepreneur, creative producer, and award-winning costume designer whose work has become integral to Nollywood’s visual identity. With more than a decade of experience, she has helped shape the look and feel of some of the industry’s most memorable film and TV projects. She is the founder of The Rani Company, a top-tier costume design and styling outfit, and also co-produced the fashion reality series Style Magnate on Showmax. Beyond her costume design expertise, she works as a creative producer across film and television.
Her visionary touch has defined standout productions such as House of Ga’a, Seven Doors, and Everybody Loves Jenifa. Her work on Asoebi Diaries earned her an award at the 2025 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF), along with recognition at FAME Week Africa for Best Fashion Collaboration Film. She has also been nominated at both the Africa Movie Academy Awards and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. In 2022, Okereke made history as the first African costume designer to host a masterclass at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.
Tari Taylaur
Tari Taylaur currently serves as the Executive Director of Programmes at the Nigerian Television Authority, a position she assumed in September 2024 following her appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Since taking on the role, she has been instrumental in enhancing the viewing experience of Nigeria’s national broadcaster and reshaping programme policies to better resonate with younger audiences.
Before joining NTA, she worked as the Senior Special Assistant on Environment to the Lagos State Governor, where she championed community engagement and stakeholder collaboration in the drive for a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos, an effort she pursued with remarkable commitment.
Tari brings nearly twenty years of experience in Nigeria’s media, entertainment, and broadcast sector, establishing herself as a skilled and insightful media content development professional.
Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun
Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun is a dynamic storyteller and versatile journalist with more than 12 years of experience in broadcast media. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to amplifying fresh perspectives and championing underrepresented narratives. An award-winning broadcaster, she continuously hones her craft, delivering journalism marked by depth, clarity, and excellence.
A top graduate with an honours degree in Mass Communication, Tolulope has further sharpened her expertise through advanced training with globally recognised news organisations. For over a decade, she has fronted political television and radio programmes, distinguished by her signature presentation style and engaging on-air presence. Her seven-year radio stint was particularly remarkable, with her show consistently ranking among Lagos’ top five.
Mary Remmy Njoku
Mary Remmy Njoku is a Nigerian actress, producer, and entrepreneur who has become a major force in African entertainment. As Founder and CEO of ROK Productions SAS, she leads one of the continent’s biggest content companies, responsible for over 1,000 hours of Nollywood films and series each year and distributed across Europe, Africa, and Canal+ networks. She spearheaded the landmark 2019 acquisition of ROK by CANAL+, one of Africa’s most significant media deals. Beyond entertainment, she co-founded SPARK, an early investor in major African tech startups, including Paystack. Through the Mary Njoku Foundation, she promotes positive storytelling, integrity, and social impact across Africa.
Bolanle Olukanni
Bolanle Olukanni is a celebrated television host and filmmaker, known for her work on hit shows like Project Fame West Africa, The Juice, and Moments with Mo. Renowned for her engaging creativity, distinctive interview style, and commitment to social impact, she has earned a reputation as one of Africa’s most trusted media personalities.
Aisha Umar Mumuni
Aisha Umar Mumuni heads MTN Nigeria’s Digital Services division, spearheading innovation through technology and data to drive strategic growth. With over two decades of experience in telecoms and digital services, she has been pivotal in shaping MTN’s digital products, partnerships, and ecosystems. Appointed Chief Digital Officer in 2022, Aisha has played a key role in establishing MTN as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, focusing on customer-centric solutions and staying ahead of emerging trends in content, AI, and digital platforms.
Chichi Nwoko
Chichi Nwoko is a Pan-African entrepreneur and media leader with over 30 years of experience in film, television, broadcasting, and sports. As Founder and CEO of What Media Group, she oversees 16 brands dedicated to talent development, production, and African storytelling, helping expand the continent’s cultural influence globally. A Columbia University graduate, she has been recognised by Forbes Africa and MIPAD, with notable work in film (Lionheart, Road to Yesterday) and major sports broadcasts, including the FIFA World Cup and NBA.
Atinuke Babatunde
Atinuke Babatunde is a media executive with over 20 years of experience in branding, content strategy, and channel management. She has transformed Africa Magic channels, launched Africa Magic Igbo, and led content for formats like Big Brother, Nigeria Idol, and AMVCA. As Academy Director of the MultiChoice Talent Factor, she has mentored the next generation of West African filmmakers. Currently, as Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, she drives locally tailored content across TV, SVOD, and digital platforms, with a strong focus on mentoring young adults and women.
Moliehi Molekoa
Moliehi Molekoa is a South African communications expert and Managing Director of Magna Carta Reputation Management Consultants, a leading Pan-African PR firm. With nearly 20 years of experience, she specialises in strategic communication, reputation management, and brand storytelling, overseeing operations across 18 African countries. She has worked with top clients like MTN, Standard Bank, and PepsiCo, and advocates for PR professionals having a strategic voice in boardroom decisions.
Colette Otusheso
Colette Otusheso is the CEO of The Accelerate Media Group, a multimedia company championing African storytelling, creativity, and youth empowerment. With over 23 years of experience at MNET and Viacom, she has led landmark campaigns for MTV, BET, and Nickelodeon, and through Accelerate, produces globally recognised projects such as MTV Shuga and The Decolonisation of Africa. She has trained over 12,000 young creatives, serves on the board of LAIF, and has been recognised among Nigeria’s top women leaders in media and business.
Ojoma Ochai
Ojoma Ochai is a Nigerian innovation strategist and Managing Director of Co-creation Hub (CcHUB), Africa’s largest innovation centre, where she supports tech and creative entrepreneurs to drive social impact. She co-founded CcHUB’s Creative Economy Practice and Pixel Ray Studios, serves on the board of Btrust, and chairs the African Tech and Creative Group. With previous leadership roles at the British Council and advisory experience with UNESCO and the World Bank, she has been recognised among Nigeria’s 100 Most Influential and Inspiring Women.
Bukunmi ‘Kie Kie’ Adeaga-Ilori
Bukunmi ‘Kie Kie’ Adeaga-Ilori is a Nigerian TV personality, actress, and content creator known for her comedic skits and engaging online presence. She began her career in fashion media before rising to prominence as a social media influencer and Nollywood actress, featuring in films such as A Simple Lie and Ginger. Kie Kie is also the founder of fashion brand Accost Collections and has received accolades, including Forbes Africa’s Top Content Creators of the Year (2024) and the 2023 AMVCA for Best Online Social Content Creator.
Njideka Akabogu Eke-Uche
Njideka Akabogu Eke-Uche is a PR and communications expert with over 10 years of experience helping global and Pan-African brands connect with audiences across Africa. She is the Regional Manager, East Africa at ID Africa (BHM), leading client accounts and growth strategies. Njideka has worked with top brands like MultiChoice, MTN, Showmax, and Heineken, and has received multiple industry recognitions, including Brand Communicator’s 35 Under 35 and PRSK’s Top PR Practitioners.
Iretomiwa Akintunde-Johnson
Iretomiwa Akintunde-Johnson is a PR and communications expert, lawyer, and author, currently serving as Lead PR and Communications Adviser at ID Africa (BHM). She has driven growth strategies, innovative PR models, and advocacy initiatives across West Africa. A University of Lagos law graduate, she has held key roles at BHM, including Public Relations Consultant in 2019, and in 2020, became Lead PR and Communications Adviser at ID Africa. She was appointed Chief Consultant in March 2025.
Mark your calendars! NECLive 2025 takes place on Friday, November 28, at Landmark Events Centre. Be part of the conversation on “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise” and register today at www.nec.ng
