L-R: Director Pink, Wangi Mba-Uzoukou, Yemisi Falaye, Ruth Kadiri, Funambi Ogunbanowo, Banke Meshida-Lawal, Nancy Isime, Devla Art Alade, Lisa Folawiyo, Ayo Amusan, Leslie Okoye, Ijeoma Balogun, Stephanie Busari and Sade Teibo. Photo courtesy: @theseeyekhinde
Lagos, Nigeria – Devla Art Alade, co-founder of LiveSpot360 and serial entrepreneur redefining the African creative and entertainment landscape, hosted the Women Driving Culture Luncheon, an intimate gathering that brought together some of Nigeria's most influential women shaping the country's cultural, creative and consumer economy. Held at Mister Panther, Victoria Island, the luncheon was designed as a strategic event, focused on power, collaboration and long-term cultural impact.
The luncheon featured leaders from film, fashion, beauty, media, technology and public policy, including: Lisa Folawiyo, fashion designer and founder, Lisa Folawiyo; Toke Benson‑Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture; Titi Ogufere, Founder Design Week Lagos; Sasha P, leading Nigerian rapper; Corti Eniola, YouTuber and filmmaker; Ruth Kadiri, actor, filmmaker and digital content powerhouse; Funambi Ogunbanowo, Film Producer and Co-Founder, Fatherland Productions; Nicole Asinugo, screenwriter; Beatrice Eneh, beauty entrepreneur and founder, Nectar Beauty Hub and Beauty in the Motherland; Banke Meshida‑Lawal, beauty entrepreneur and founder, BM Pro; Toby Hamilton, Founder, The House Lagos; Leslie Okoye, Founder, Cookie Skin. Also present was Bukunmi Grace, Talent Manager, United Talent; Osayi Alile, CEO ACT Foundation; Sade Teibo, Founder, Fola PR, Eddy Awofisayo, Head of YouTube Music, Sub-Saharan Africa; Stephanie Busari, journalist and founder, SBB Media; Anita Adetoye, beauty influencer; Linda Edozian, CEO, Barazee Spa & Wellness, Ayo Amusan, Founder and CEO, Persias Retail, Director Pink, film director; Lamide Akintobi, TV producer, CNN; Henny Zinzuvadia, award-winning sommelier, Busola Tejumola, Head of Content, MultiChoice West Africa; Wangi Mba‑Uzoukou, Media, Film and TV Content Executive; Bola Balogun, Founder, Glam Brand Agency; Ijeoma Balogun, Founder, Redrick PR, Yemisi Falaye, Entertainment Lawyer at The Temple Company; and Blossom Madufokwa, editor of Natal and Grammys.
Designed to foster genuine exchange, focused discussions on access to capital, authorship in African storytelling, cross-industry collaboration, and how women can collectively influence policy, platforms, and pipelines within Nigeria's creative economy, with the goal of pursuing mentorship and collaboration opportunities.
Speaking at the luncheon, Deola Art Alade outlined the intention behind the gathering:
“When women intentionally think about lifting up other women, the impact is far greater than one individual. We change rooms, we change systems, we shape what's possible for the next generation. Today is a celebration but it's also an invitation to connect, share, and think about who you can lift up from here.”
This event solidified the growing shift towards intentionally female-led powerhouses within Africa's creative industries. The Women Driving Culture Luncheon was supported by LiveSpot360, Moët & Chandon, M·A·C Cosmetics and Estée Lauder, whose participation reflects their continued investment in women-led leadership and cultural impact.
For photos and highlights from the 2025 Women's Driving Culture Luncheon, visit here.
(Photo credit: @theseeyekhinde)
