E.A.T.O.W. GLOBAL presents
The Global Rise of Nigerian Soft Power: Building Bridges Across Borders
The Honourable Obi Asika
Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Nigeria
A Celebration of Partnership, Culture, and Creativity
Date:
27th march 2025
Time
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location:
House of Lords - London SW1A 0PW
Step into an occasion that epitomises the essence of collaboration, cultural partnership, and transformative opportunities. Hosted at the historic House of Lords, this prestigious gathering highlights Nigeria's creative, arts, and cultural industries as a cornerstone of global influence.
Keynote Speaker: The Honorable Obi Asika
Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Nigeria
Hon. Obi Asika is a trailblazer in Africa’s creative industries, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions across music, film, digital media, and entertainment. Currently serving as the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) , he plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that empower Africa’s creative talent on the global stage.
A champion of innovation, Hon. Asika has dedicated his career to elevating Africa’s cultural narrative, bridging gaps between local talent and international opportunities. His influence spans industries and continents, making him one of the most respected voices in Africa’s creative and cultural economy. From spearheading digital revolutions to driving creative entrepreneurship, his work continues to inspire a new generation of leaders and innovators across the globe.
In his government role, Hon. Asika combines a forward-thinking approach with a commitment to cultural preservation, fostering collaboration between Nigeria and the world. His vision centres on leveraging creativity as a powerful tool for economic growth and international partnership.
The Keynote: Insights from a Visionary
At "An Audience with The Honourable Obi Asika," attendees will gain unparalleled access to the insights and expertise of one of Africa’s most influential cultural leaders. His keynote will explore:
The Power of Creativity in Driving Economic Growth: How Nigeria’s creative industries are shaping the nation’s economic future and fostering global partnerships:
Unlocking Global Opportunities: Practical strategies for navigating the international creative and business landscapes, with a focus on UK-Nigeria collaborations
Championing Innovation in Arts and Culture: A behind-the-scenes look at how innovation is redefining Africa’s cultural footprint
Building Bridges Across Borders: How cultural partnserhip and creative exchanges are transforming relationships between nations
About The Hosts
This landmark occasion is presented by Eryca Freemantle and Associates, with Bolaji Olatoye and Yemisi Mokuolu, visionaries dedicated to building powerful bridges between nations through culture, creativity, and collaboration
Yemisi Mokuolu
CEO,Hatch Ideas World Wide Ltd & Hatch Africa
Welcome Address
Yemisi Mokuolu is an award-winning creative business consultant and independent producer, recognised for her impactful contributions the development of creatives and the creative industries across Africa and the UK. She has been named London’s ‘Most Instrumental Business Development & Training Businesswoman 2024’ and listed among the Top 100 African business leaders in the UK. Since starting her career in 2002, she has hosted the influential “Out of Africa Festival”, co-produces the ‘Asa Baako – One Dance’ festival in Ghana and is the current Chair of Worthing Theatres & Museums. Her diverse client base includes prestigious organisations such as the Barbican, British Council, Goethe Institute, Greater London Authority, Institute Francais, King's College London and ScreenSkills.
Bolaji Olatoye
AI & Automations Specialist, Financial Inclusion Advocate, Keynote Speaker - CEO of Altitude AI Consulting
Bolaji Olatoye is an AI Business Growth Specialist and co-founder of Altitude AI Consulting. He is recognized for integrating advanced technologies with financial services to uplift underserved and underrepresented communities. Bolaji has a strong track record of driving digital transformation and financial inclusivity through innovative tech solutions.Bolaji's global experience includes leading development teams in Kyiv, Ukraine, where he played a crucial role in launching a blockchain protocol platform. His leadership was instrumental in raising the investment funds necessary for its launch. His strategic acumen and ability to build trust-based relationships have been key drivers of his success.
Eryca Freemantle
Global Business Strategist. Executive Coach. Empowering creatives to expand their brand beyond local borders
Eryca Freemantle is a global business strategist with over 40 years of experience in the creative and beauty industries. Renowned for her expertise in diversity, inclusion, and empowerment, she has worked with governments, global brands, and corporate leaders to drive innovation and cross-cultural collaboration.
A visionary mentor and consultant, Eryca combines creativity with strategic insights to foster opportunities and build bridges across industries and nations, making a lasting global impact.
Lord Stephen
Member of the House of Lords
Lord Stephen, Baron Stephen, is a Scottish politician and former Deputy First Minister of Scotland. He served as the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning from 2005 to 2007 and was a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Aberdeen South from 1999 to 2011. A member of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, he also led the party from 2005 to 2008. Before entering politics, Stephen worked as a solicitor and senior manager in corporate finance at Deloitte & Touche. He holds an LLB from the University of Aberdeen and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Edinburgh. In 2011, he was granted a life peerage and became a member of the House of Lords in the UK.
Lucy Haine
Global Digital Commerce & Marketplace Lead Department for Business & Trade DBT
Lucy is Global Digital commerce and marketplace lead at the Department for Business and Trade leading on Digital Beauty. With an industry background, Lucy worked in senior leadership teams for UK High Street Retail brands including M&S, Debenhams and Monsoon Accessorize, focused on International multi-channel expansion. Lucy leads on DBT Digital commerce strategic partnerships across Europe, Africa, Central and South Asia, and Asia Pacific regions. 20 years+ of blue Chip retail experience successfully delivering global expansion across mono—and multi-brand stores, concessions, and brand pop-ups into frontier markets/regions.
Panel Discussion:
Uk & Nigeria Collaboration
Ed Emeka Keazor
Historian and Filmmaker
panelist 1
Ed Emeka Keazor is a multifaceted Anglo-Nigerian lawyer, historian, archivist, and filmmaker dedicated to reimagining Nigerian and African history. He is the author of critically acclaimed works such as "120 Great Nigerians We Never Knew" and has received awards for his contributions to African history from the African Society of Cambridge University.
DJ Abass
Media & Entertainment consultant
panelist 2
Abass Abayomi Tijani, known as DJ Abass, is a UK-based media and entertainment consultant, broadcaster, DJ, and professional compere. As the CEO of DJAMEDIA, he has been influential in popularising African music in the UK and beyond, notably presenting and co-producing the television show "Intro" and the Big Nigerian Independence Intro Jam series.
Femi Oyeniran
British-Nigerian Actor & Filmmaker
PANELIST 3
Femi Oyeniran is an award-winning actor and filmmaker who began his career starring in the iconic British film "Kidulthood" at the age of 17. He has since co-written, co-produced, and co-directed films like "The Intent," showcasing his versatility and commitment to authentic storytelling within the British-Nigerian community.
Hannah O'Leary
Senior Advisor, Sotheby’s
PANELIST 4
Hannah O’Leary is a senior director at Sotheby’s auction house in London, where she established the Modern & Contemporary African Art department in 2016. With over a decade of experience in this field, she has overseen record-breaking sales and set numerous world record prices for African artists, solidifying her as a leading authority in the market.
Panel Discussion:
The Business of Media Culture & Entertainment
Bukky George Taylor
CEO Robert Taylor Media
MODERATOR
Dr. Bukky George-Taylor is the Managing Director and Founder of Robert Taylor Media, a boutique communications and special events company specializing in a plethora of communications strategies. Her expertise encompasses personal brand strategy and cinema business, reflecting her diverse skill set in the media industry.
Adesope Olajide
Media Personality & Founder The Afrobeats Podcast.
panelist 1
Adesope Olajide, also known as Shopsydoo, is a prominent media personality and broadcaster dedicated to promoting Afrobeats culture. As the founder and host of The Afrobeats Podcast, he provides a platform that explores the vibrant world of Afrobeats music and its global impact, featuring interviews with leading artists and influencers.
Chioma Ude
Founder, Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)
PANELIS 2
Chioma Ude is a visionary leader and trailblazer in the African film industry. In 2010, she founded the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), a platform dedicated to training and showcasing African filmmakers. Under her stewardship, AFRIFF has become a significant event in Nigeria's cultural calendar, fostering the growth and recognition of African cinema on the global stage.
Chidi Okeke
Founder, UDUX
PANELIST 3
Chidi Aneto-Okeke is a seasoned entrepreneur and the driving force behind uduX, Nigeria's pioneering indigenous music streaming service. As Founder and CEO of Groove Platforms, he has been instrumental in forging partnerships with major music labels and telecom providers, enhancing the digital music landscape across Africa. Chidi's innovative approach has positioned uduX as a key player in the continent's evolving music industry.
Natasha Manley
Entertainment Industry Expert & Curator
PANELIST 4
With over 20 years of experience in global creative and music marketing strategy, Natasha Manley serves as the CEO of The Malachite Group (TMG). Her expertise encompasses leadership roles within major brands, live music events, and record labels. Natasha's strategic vision has been pivotal in curating and delivering world-class entertainment experiences, solidifying TMG's reputation in the industry.
Nike Awoyinka
Founder & CEO, Inklar
PANELIST 5
Nike Awoyinka is the Founder and CEO of Inklar, a London-based consultancy specializing in the cultural and creative industries, with a particular emphasis on Africa. Her extensive background includes leading global marketing teams at esteemed British creative institutions such as Sotheby’s Institute of Art and Ravensbourne University of London. Nike's work focuses on guiding organizations and creatives through the complex landscape of the creative industries, driving cultural and societal transformation.
Who Is This Event For?
This occasion offers unparalleled access to decision-makers driving the Nigeria-UK creative corridor. Attendees include
UK political leaders and policymakers.
C-suite executives and cultural entrepreneurs.
Key influencers in the creative industries.
Media representatives from both nations.
Strictly Invite Only
An Audience with The Honourable Obi Asika is an exclusive gathering reserved for a carefully selected audience of leaders, visionaries, and changemakers. This prestigious occasion at the House of Lords is strictly by invitation only, ensuring an intimate setting for meaningful dialogue and unparalleled networking opportunities.
With limited access, this occasion brings together influential figures from the worlds of culture, business, and partnership, creating a unique platform to forge impactful connections and explore transformative collaborations.
Attendance is limited to preserve the exclusivity and essence of this landmark occasion. If you have received an invitation, you are part of an elite circle shaping the future of cultural and creative partnership.
Please note: Attendance is strictly by invitation only. We kindly ask that you do not contact us for invitations.
Nearest Tube Station Westminster:
Entrance to House Of Lords is Cromwell Green, SW1A 2LW
In Collaboration With
