Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, 2face Idibia, Basketmouth to speak at Nigerian Entertainment Conference 2014

The umbrella summit for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, Nigerian Entertainment Conference has entered year two with the announcement, today, that this year’s event will hold on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.

Conference Chairman Ayeni Adekunle said in a statement that the event will once again take place in the Grand Ball Room of Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria.

‘We’re back at Eko for the whole day on Wednesday April 23, with even bigger speakers, remarkable panellists and participants from across the country.’

Confirmed speakers and panellists include the accomplished Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, known for her creative dexterity, activism and inspirational life as one of Africa’s most renowned actors.

Also speaking will be Pop icon 2Face Idibia, a pathfinder and leader in contemporary Nigerian music; Co-Founder of Jobberman Ope Awoyemi, Revered Showbiz consultant Edi Lawani, and Founder/CEO of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) Peace Anyam-Osigwe.

Others include internationally known Nigerian comedian Basketmouth, Digital Marketing expert and GM of Bytesize Bukola Akingbade, Chairman of NET editorial board and COO Q Networks Chris Ihidero, award-winning journalist Olumide Iyanda, broadcaster and entertainment executive Olisa Adibua and respected actress-producer Uche Jombo.

Other speakers and panellists will be announced later.

The theme for this year is “Creating Pathways to the Future”, with sessions on Nollywood, Social Responsibility, information technology, Music, Media and Business.

“Just like last year, our speakers and panellists this year are the best in their fields, with an incredible passion for the development of the industry” says Ayeni.

NEC 2014 will feature a keynote address on this year’s theme, main papers on each of the sessions, panel discussions, and a daylong exhibition.

Topics for this year include: ‘Slaying The Collective Rights Monster’ (MUSIC); ‘Whose Content is it Anyway? (Media); ‘Using IT for Intervention’ (IT); ‘The Desired Future’ (Nollywood); ‘Why We should Care’ (Social Responsibility) and ‘Solving The Distribution Problem Once and for all’ (Business).

Comedian and master of ceremonies Tee A will return as conference moderator.

Nigerian Entertainment Conference was founded by PR Consultant and Publisher Ayeni Adekunle.

The conference is produced by NET Newspapers LTD, with support from HIP TV, Beat FM, Classic FM, Naija FM, Top Radio, City FM, MTV Base, BHM, AV Edge, EDS, Emblue, F316, ID Africa, First Class Incorporated and The Sodium Group.

Conference registration will open Wednesday March 19 on www.nec.ng and close on April 19.

‘Attendance to all sessions and exhibitions is free. But registration is compulsory. Everyone must register to attend’, Ayeni says.

NEC debuted last year to wide acclaim from practitioners in an industry desperately in need of direction and structure. Inaugural participants included D’Banj, Tunde Kelani, Ifeoma Williams, Don Jazzy, Olamide, Ayo Animashaun, Tunde Laoye, Toolz, Zeb Ejiro, Kunle Bakare, Tony Agenmonmen, Tony Okoroji, and many more.

The Conference was declared open by the DG of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group Frank Nweke. Speakers and panelists included Amaka Igwe, Keke Ogungbe, M.I, Jimmy JATT, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Kunle Afolayan, Gab Okoye, Audu Maikori, Darey, Fidelis Duker, Charles Igwe, Kola Oyeyemi, Chris Ubosi, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Sasha, Steve Ayorinde, Tolu Ogunlesi, and several others.

“It’s a very important period for our industry. A make-or-mar period. And I consider NEC a timely intervention so we can ensure what we have does not completely collapse. We have a lot of work to do. And it starts by coming together to discuss what’s affecting us, while looking to the right places for solutions. Record labels are bleeding, the music makers are endangered; Nollywood is torn apart by wrangling while the structures continue to dilapidate. Plagiarism has taken over digital media while print continues suffering for lack of proper distribution and remuneration. It’s the same thing all over, and it shouldn’t be so. Nigeria holds so much promise and it’s a shame that after so many years we’re still battling to get it right. I’m confident we’ll go beyond talking and take actions that’ll ensure we build an industry we all will be proud of.’