First Lady of Kwara Advocates for Women in Africa’s Creative Economy at EWL 2024

Her Excellency, Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State, delivered a compelling keynote at Entertainment Week Lagos (EWL) 2024.

Titled ‘Rising Tides: Women Reshaping Africa’s Creative Economy. Her speech highlighted the significant
contributions of women in film, fashion, and digital media while addressing persistent challenges.

Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq’s speech

The First Lady emphasized the need for inclusive growth and innovation, pointing to initiatives like the Kwara State Film Village and the Nigeria National Women and Economic Empowerment Policy as drivers of human capital development. She urged stakeholders to work together to empower women and drive sustainable growth across Africa’s creative industries.

She also spotlighted the #WeeLiftNigeria campaign, a national initiative backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which focuses on empowering women and building public-private partnerships to close critical skill gaps.

Latasha Onwuve’s speech

Building on these themes, journalist and media personality Latasha Onwuve stressed the need for sustainable structures to support women in the creative economy. “We’re at a
tipping point,” she said. “Women are no longer just contributors to the creative industries—they are leaders and innovators. But to maintain this momentum, we need policies that ensure access
to funding, training, and fair representation.”

Tiwalola Medubi’s speech;

Tiwalola Medubi, Managing Director of Livespot 360, stressed the importance of building connections across disciplines, regions, and levels of expertise. “Collaboration is the lifeblood of the creative economy,” she said. “From fashion working with technology to filmmakers partnering with global platforms, the possibilities are endless when we connect.”

A recurring theme was the need for mentorship and investment in emerging female talent. Panelists highlighted initiatives like Labspot, the Livespot Foundation program that supports small creative businesses. On the power of mentorship, Medubi noted, “If no one gives you a seat at the table, build your own—and make it big enough for others to join.”

The session honored women who have overcome challenges in the creative economy, including Funke Akindele, a trailblazer in Nigeria’s film industry. Her story shows how resilience, creativity, and strategic partnerships can turn personal dreams into global movements.

The panelists left a clear call to action: harness the power of women to build a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable creative economy. From policy reforms to grassroots mentorship programs, the path is clear. Africa’s creative sector is rising, and women are leading the way.

Entertainment Week Lagos continues to be a vital platform for amplifying these voices and
fostering collaborations that drive real change.

“The future of the creative economy is female—and the tide is rising.”

What else happened at Entertainment Week Lagos? find out here