The Entertainment Week Lagos 2024 features a panel discussion on Rising tides: women reshaping Africa’s creative economy anchored by Latasha Ngwube in partnership with Eden Venture group with a special highlight on the film, The Hotel Room
The Entertainment week Lagos 2024 featured a panel discussion on Rising tides women reshaping Africa’s creative economy anchored by Latasha ngwube in partnership with Eden Venture Group Weelift Naija Friday, December 13, 2:30- 4:30pm
The panel discussion is to celebrate the transformative role of women in the creative industries across Nigeria, Africa, and globally, with emphasis on mentorship, knowledge exchange, innovation, and storytelling as tools for driving positive change.
The Entertainment Week Lagos is the gathering of creatives, innovators, and rising talent. The one week event, will bring the essence of Nigeria’s creative economy to Lagos, uniting powerhouses across music, film, fashion, tech, and more.
The Founder, Entertainment Week Lagos and Group CEO of Livespot360 Deola Art Alade, reiterated that the vision is to create real impact.
EWL 2024 isn’t just about celebrating talent, it’s about equipping creatives with practical tools to succeed globally
She is optimistic attendees will explore groundbreaking collaborations, discover emerging trends, and engage in thought-provoking conversations that will shape the future of the creative industries. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or industry expert, EWL will offer unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
The panel discussion preceded with a key note address by Amb. Prof. (Mrs.) Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State Her Excellency, First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson, Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum also holds the Traditional titles of Yeye Aare Soludero of Offa in Kwara State, the Sarauniya of Kaiama in Kwara State, the Labinjo of Eti oni in Osun State and the Erelu of Ilado and Inagbe Islands in Lagos State amongst many other titles. She is the Chairperson, Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum.
In her keynote address, reinstate her commitment towards the development of women using her office and ensuring a common ground for women in the creative space in her State and have ensured this is extended to the national space as well.
The evolution of women’s participation in Africa’s creative economy; key challenges and opportunities and the importance of knowledge exchange in fostering sustainable growth and expansion of women’s participation in the industry.
The Panel Discussion was anchored by LATASHA NGWUBE a Nigerian journalist, media personality, and advocate for body positivity. She is best known for her work in the Nigerian fashion and entertainment industry, as well as her efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity in the media.
She Welcomed the audience, sharing the alignment of EWL with the work of Eden Venture Group around the Women’s Economic EmpowermentPolicy. Eden’s campaign
The first Panel Discussion highlights Women Leading Change in the Creative Sector it was an open dialogue on women’s empowerment and leadership, featuring women who are at the top of their game sharing knowledge, to other women who are looking to enter or advance their careers.
Role of mentorship and knowledge exchange in the creative sector, innovation, and storytelling as tools for driving change, and its broader impact.
Osaru Alile (Design Executive), Imoh Eboh (Actress), Titilope Adesanya (Music Executive), Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu (Founder, Stitch Media) are panelists who share their Broad contributions of women to the creative industries
Successful mentorship and knowledge exchange stories.- Challenges and opportunities for women in creative leadership.- Balancing cultural expectations with professional ambitions
The panelists discussed. How they have used their platform to create opportunities for other women in the industry, What innovative approach they have seen, implemented or benefited from to addressing gender disparities in the creative sector, How they balance maintaining their dentity with pushing boundaries in their respective creative work, They were to give advice to other women looking to enter into leadership roles in the creative economy. They all shared that onething they could change about the creative industry overnight.
The second panel discussion gave a
Spotlight on Emerging Talent with a Theme: Young women in the Creative Sector it was as well an open dialogue featuring Young creatives including OSSI Grace (singer/artist), Blonde (pop/Afrobeats singer) and Karen Ayuba ( Fashion designer and entrepreneur).
Discussion were centred around challenges faced by young women starting their creative careers.- Needs for mentorship, industry knowledge, and guidance.- Mentorship pledges: Inviting senior women in the audience or panelists to pledge support or collaborate in securing mentorship for the participants.
The panelists dealt extensive with questions on;
The most unexpected lesson learnt so far in their creative journey;
Highlighted ways they think the creative industry in Africa needs to evolve to better support emerging talent;
The kind of support or resources they feel are most needed for young women in their field;
How they see their role in shaping the future of Africa’s creative economy?
The one thing they could change about he creative industry overnight.
A special highlight at the end of the panel discussion featured The Hotel Room by, COMFORT BOOTH who started exploring her creative side writing a blog called “Diary of a Stupid Woman” which morphed into a column in Levogue Magazine from the stable of Leadership newspapers. She explained initially how she had planned to publish her first book in the summer of 2024; a compilation of short stories however ended up as a producer of one of her short stories, “The Hotel Room.” This brainwave occurred after she attended AFRIFF and got inspired to make a movie. Incredibly, the short film has been chosen to screen at AFRIFF 13.
The short film that delves into the experiences of an Arewa woman, aligning with themes of human rights and violence against women. The session will also spotlight young creatives at the early stages of their careers, fostering mentorship and actionable support.
She shared extensively What motivated her to tell this particular story; Her approach on the sensitive subject matter in the film, some of the challenges faced during the production process ,Her expectation on the film impacting viewers and she contributed to the conversation about women’s rights and ways in the film industry better support and amplify the voices of Arewa women.
The panel discussion in partnership with EdenVenture Group (Eden) a creative agency led by social impact strategists to innovate for community action, storytelling supporting brands and organisations looking to create meaningful impact in the world by providing connections to resources like people, businesses, talent and the networks.
The organisation seek to break down barriers and ease burdens on impact makers by mobilising the resources they require to effectively deliver their mandate for the public good.
As experts in partnerships & masters of collaboration, they partner with multi-sectorial,Stakeholders to identify and support their projects or businesses with consultancy and advisory services such as; Market entry & Growth Strategy, ESG, Advocacy, Implementation planning, Brand and Social Campaigns, Impact Marketing & Comms,and much more.
WEEliftNaija a pioneering initiative designed for the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the Albright Stonebridge Group, with support from the Gates Foundation. It was created to amplify Nigeria’s National Women’s Economic Empowerment policy, focused on empowering women across various sectors, including the creative industries. The creative sector, a key pillar of the National WEE Policy, aims to drive growth in technology and creative industries such as media, film, music, and fashion, while fostering women’s participation in STEM. The policy encourages private sector funding for women in film and media, supports skill gap closure, fosters government-stakeholder (Private-Public) partnerships, and implements policies for decent work and training.
ABOUT THE PANELISTS: PROFILE
- AMB. PROF. (MRS.) OLUFOLAKE ABDULRAZAQ,
First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson, Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum Her Excellency, Ambassador Professor Olufolake.The Geofidel Institute for Leadership and Management,London, United Kingdom in recognition of her contributions to gender development honoured Professor Abdulrazaq with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Gender Development (DGD) in December2020. Also the Prowess University, Delaware United States of America conferred on her Honourary Doctor of Philosophy in Social Policy and Administration in September 2022. In August 2023 Her Excellency was conferred with Honourary professorship in International Relations by the International Entrepreneur University Delaware, United States of America. Ambassador Olufolake started her public service career in 1993 at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs where through hard work, dedication and forthrightness ascended the ladder to the peak of her chosen career. The ascension of her husband Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to the office of the Executive Governor of Kwara State presented an avenue for her to broaden her humanitarian work through her office as the first lady and her personal initiative called Ajike People’s Support center where through a well thought out strategy and an all-inclusive selection process she hopes to reach even more indigent people. Her Excellency the First Lady of Kwara State also holds the Traditional titles of Yeye Aare Soludero of Offa in Kwara State, the Sarauniya of Kaiama in Kwara State, the Labinjo of Eti oni in Osun State and the Erelu of Ilado and Inagbe Islands in Lagos State amongst many other titles. She is the Chairperson, Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum.
- LATASHA NGWUBE
LATASHA NGWUBE a Nigerian journalist, media personality, and advocate for body positivity. She is best known for her work in the Nigerian fashion and entertainment industry, as well as her efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity in the media.
- MORIAM AJAGA
Special Adviser to the President on Culture (OHM) Nigerian Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, & Creative Economy Moriam Ajaga is a visionary leader and the Special Adviser for Visual Arts & Culture at the Nigerian Ministry of Art, Culture, & Creative Economy. In this role, she leverages her strategic planning and coordination skills to spearhead policies and programs that promote the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s cultural sector. Prior to her current position, Moriam held leadership roles at Design Week Lagos, Made by DesignExhibition, and Development Support International. Her experience highlights her proficiency in managing diverse teams, building strategic partnerships, and overseeing successful project and event execution. Moriam’s strategic vision and hands-on approach have consistently led to tangible results, including increased event attendance, media coverage, and financial resources
- IMOH EBOH
An Actor, Film Producer, Creative and Cultural Industries Leader, WEF Global Shaper Alumna and UM6P Bridger. She holds aBachelor of Science degree in International Relations from the prestigious Covenant University and certificates in Acting and Film Producing. She is a development enthusiast and has combined her acumen into making an impact through storytelling audio visually and digitally. She served as the 2018/2019 Curator of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community Lagos Hub and presently serves as the Flight Lead of the 2008 Graduate Class of Covenant University. She is co-creating a framework for Creative and Cultural Industries with a team of Bridgers at University MohammedVIPolytechnic in Morocco.
- TITILOPE ADESANYA
Director Of Operations- Africa, EMPIRE- Distribution Listed as the Billboard International Power player for 2022, Titilope Adesanya is a creative & music executive currently working as Director of Operations for Africa at EMPIRE. Projects and clients currently include Bnxn, KiDi, L.A.X., Black Sherif, Kizz Daniel, Fireboy DML, Asake and more. Additionally, Titi runs a creative consulting agency “We Soko Afrika” through which she hosts a day party ‘REHASH’ and has worked on campaigns for a variety of acts including Tim Lyre, Kiddominant, Ricky Tyler, DJ Lambo, Phaemous, and more. Coming from a journalism background, Titilope was also previously head of communications and digital sales at Africori while also handling label and client services.
- OSARU ALILE
Creative Director- CC Interiors Studios Osaru Alile is a passionate and dynamic force in the interior design industry, bringing over 20 years of experience to her multifaceted work. With a focus on enhancing creativity and empowering youth, Osaru’s approach centres around the question, “How can we make this better?” She has successfully delivered innovative design solutions across various sectors, including mixed-use developments, hospitality, and residential spaces, totaling over 180,000 square meters. At the helm of herdesignfirm, Osaru specializes in creating harmonious, functional spaces that blend classic contemporary elements with thoughtful design principles. Driven by her desire to make an impact through design on everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic climate, she has recently taken the plunge to establish the first global enterprise focusing on an AI-enhanced design system tailored to Africa. Beyond interior design, Osaru plays a vital role in fashion retail and product design, leveraging her expertise to activate social change through design. Her commitment to telling unique African stories has earned her recognition in prestigious publications like Architectural Digest, House Beautiful Magazine, and Design Edit, as well as features on platforms like Netflix. Osaru is also a first-time author. Her debut book, Who is God to You?, is a faith-driven activity book that explores the character of God through engaging exercises and reflections, inviting readers to deepen their relationship with Him in a meaningful way.
- OSSI GRACE
Born Omobosola Grace Adegbite, Ossi Grace’s Afro-Soul journey embodies the beauty found in life’s everyday struggles. Her passion for music ignited at just 11 when she held Rihanna’s ‘Girl Like Me’ album. Raised in Nigeria, she learned to turn adversity into creativity, a skill now embedded in her art. Her movetotheUKtransformed her music, simplifying yet deepening its universal appeal. Ossi Grace’s journey includes notable collaborations, like her soulful contribution to Nigerian rapper M.I. Abaga’s 2022 track ‘Crazy.’ With her forthcoming EP executively produced by producer Chopsticks, whose roster includes some of the scene’s most influential artists and songs including Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last,’ it is clear Ossi is on a path to greatness. With her fearless embrace of imperfections setting her apart, Ossi Grace finds inspiration in the raw, unpredictable nature of love. Her music career is all about joy, envisioning a path filled with happiness for herself, fans, and the team. Awards are a byproduct of her incredible journey.
- KAREN AYUBA
Flat 17 studio Flat17studioRTW was launched in 2021 headed by Lead Designer, Karen Milaghe Ayuba. Karen’s designs celebrate the evolution of women and their fashion sense through time. Her designs are interpretations of a modern day Jackie K living in Lagos, Nigeria. Karen goes in-between different eras to pull inspiration for looks the sophisticated woman could relate with and see herself in, she specializes in making classic fashion trends original and unique to the brand.
. In 2017, she emerged first runner up in the Vlisco Fashion Fund and has since dressed countless women from all walks of life. Apart from the glamor of fashion and the business aspect, Karen’s passion is to have great influence in the design community by giving back a safe space for fashion enthusiasts to learn the ropes through internships before delving full time to the realities of the business. She’s also committed to supporting brands who are dedicated to teaching creative youths especially in Nigeria
- BLNDE
(pronounced blonde) was born in the United States and moved to Lagos, Nigeria at 6. She fuses Afrobeats with hip-hop and pop influences to create her own new yet familiar sonic experience. For the rising star, the vision is global, creating music that permeates the world, employing local and global elements through her production and lyricism. BLNDE represents the globalization of music out of the continent. As achild, she explored dance and musical theatre. At 15 she returned to New Jersey for her senior year of high school and college to study Film. Upon returning to Lagos in 2020, she began designing womenswearandsymbiotically creating music together. Music, Fashion, Dance, Film are all parts of BLNDE’s artistic identity and the vision is to bring all those elements together to create a well-rounded star poised for global acclaim.
- COMFORTBOOTH
Comfort Booth is a lawyer with 24 years at the Bar and a partner with Asia Ahmed &Co.Sheisalso a professional host, emcee, and moderator. She started exploring her creative side writing a blog called “Diary of a Stupid Woman” which morphed into a column in Levogue Magazine from the stable of Leadership newspapers. She also has a column, “Woman on the Loose” in Leadership newspapers where she used satire to delve into government and politics. She recently featured as a cast member of The Real Housewives of Abuja and has a film under her belt, LOVE, LUST AND OTHERTHINGS.Sheis currently the executive producer and host of The Talking Booth, a talk show with the tagline REAL LIFE. REAL ISSUES. REAL PEOPLE. Shehadplannedtopublish her first book in the summer of 2024; a compilation of short stories however, instead of turning author, she ended up as a producer of one of her short stories, “The Hotel Room.” This brainwave occurred after she attended AFRIFF and got inspired to make a movie. Incredibly, the short film has been chosen to screen at AFRIFF 13.
