How Funke Akindele, other women are shaping next generation of creative leaders

2026-03-28 - 06:24

By Olayinka Latona The second edition of the Creative Blueprint 2.0, Masterclass, held in Victoria Island, Lagos last week Thursday has demonstrated that the future of the Nigerian creative industry depends not just on talent, but on empowerment. The event attracted a large population of women, made up of mostly young ladies aged between 18 and 35 from across Nigeria’s creative ecosystem who gathered not just to learn, but to begin their journey of transformation from aspiring creatives to established professionals. They were determined to grow, to build, and to take their rightful place in an increasingly competitive global industry. The panelists: R-L: Actress and producer, Ruth Kadri, Filmmaker and Founder, Greoh Studio, Jade Osiberu, Actress Singer and TV Host, Bisola Aiyeola, Actress, Host and Producer, Osas Ighodaro and Producer, Osas Ighodaro and Media Executive/Editor, Ladun Awobokun. Hosted by the duo of Omotunde Adebowale David, and Mojibade Sosanya, the Masterclass, was organized by Funke Akindele, foremost filmmaker behind hits such as Jenifa’s Diary, A Tribe Called Judah, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Everybody Loves Jenifa, among others and credited with many firsts as far as Nigerian box office records are concerned. In her opening remarks, Funke Akindele who expressed her joy at seeing so many talent-driven women gathered in one room for a common goal said: “When we started last year, the vision was for this masterclass to be an absolute eye opener for women who are ready to take their place and maximize opportunities in the creative ecosystem. The feedback and testimonials from last year were mind-blowing and it reinforced my vision; to create the next generation of female leaders in the global creative space. “This year, we have invested more time and resources to make this event bigger, better and more intellectually rewarding. This is evident from our line-up of speakers and panellists. We have worked tirelessly to bring together powerful women who have shattered the glass ceilings and have built sterling careers in sectors across music, film, fashion, tech and much more. “I am certain that this Masterclass will shape someone’s tomorrow. The Creative Blueprint is very personal to me. It comes from reflecting on my journey, the things I had to figure out on my own, and the kind of guidance I wish I had access to earlier. There was no clear path, and there were a lot of uncertainties but I have learned that growth doesn’t happen by chance, it is something you build intentionally. That is why this platform exists: to create a space where knowledge is shared, experiences are passed on, and opportunities are opened”. “The theme for this year: “Giving Today, Gaining Tomorrow” truly captures what this moment is about. What you invest in yourself today, your time, your focus, your willingness to learn will shape who you become tomorrow. On the inspiration behind the event, Funke Akindele said, “the first reason is because I didn’t have access at all. It was very difficult for me to get to this stage. I got a lot of nos, very disappointing nos and I didn’t understand so many things. The knowledge wasn’t there like that and I didn’t have the opportunity of seeing role models; strong women or powerful people in the creative sector to organise workshops or trainings for me to learn from. This is my own way of giving back. The more you succeed, you have to pass the baton of knowledge to the younger generation. So, I feel I didn’t experience or enjoy this, I need to create a platform for the voices of the younger ones to be heard. I was able to collaborate with professionals in the industry, from PR to marketing and the first edition wasn’t as big as this but it was beautiful. And I’m glad about the testimonies that came through and a lot of the young creatives that came for the last edition are doing so well now. They have their own content creation platforms, their own programmes and some have started their businesses. That is why we expanded it this year.” Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, President of Woodhall Capital, who was the day’s first speaker, dwelt on the topic: “The Power of Mentorship”. According to her, “Mentorship is infrastructure. It is how access is transferred, how confidence is built, and how opportunity becomes tangible,” the Woodhall Capital boss stated while sharing her personal story of navigating corporate challenges, overcoming skepticism, and building a global financial institution. Mentorship, she explained, is not just about guidance but about preparation, protection, and positioning. A mentor prepares you for the day of attack and sees beyond where you are and speak into where you are going”. With the likes of Osas Ighodaro, Ruth Kadiri, Jade Osiberu, Bisola Aiyeola and Ladun Awobokun present, the panel session on Women in Film featured an impressive roster of notable actresses, filmmakers and film business experts. With Aiyeola, a reality TV star turned actress and competent presenter moderating proceedings, the panel had the overriding topic: “Women Creating Opportunities in Film”. With a focus on the importance of mentorship and building relationships in the movie industry, Jade Osiberu urged young and aspiring actors and filmmakers to start where they are, be it in church, their neighbourhood or social media and showcase what they have done. She emphasised the essence of mentorship with an incident while trying to secure a loan from the Bank of Industry and Joke Silva, the only woman in the approving panel speaking up for her after her proposal had been torn to shreds by the men. “Mentorship does not necessarily have to be in terms of history; it could be by speaking to your friends and fellow church members and internalising their feedback and ideas to improve. Mentorship can be in form of your mother who is a business woman or auntie, or somebody at church who you can emulate. But in the creative industry, I would say absolutely, look for mentors. But the people you speak to are the people who should mentor you,” she stated. Asked which structures or disciplines helped her build a sustainable career beyond talent, beauty queen-turned actress, Osas Ighodaro said: “the fact that I have a dream to be here is no small feat and I don’t want to let down, my people who have invested their time and their love and their energy in me. I don’t want to disappoint them, but first, I don’t want to disappoint myself. I don’t want to disappoint my God. So, that ensures that I have the discipline, the tenacity and the determination to power forward. That’s the start of it all for me when it comes to building a career.” As far as Ruth Kadiri was concerned, being at the event and hearing other women, including those in other sectors talk about challenges made her realize that “a lot of successful women have something in common which is to summon the extra determination to overcome the barriers. “When I heard ‘don’t take the lift, take the stairs,’ that hit me and I’m like: this is what I’ve been trying to say to young women around me. It just means there was no easy way out for anybody. It wasn’t easy for me, but regardless, there’s energy when you are able to eventually take the steps as a woman.” The next speaker was Jennifer Awirigwe, popularly known as Financial Jennifer, who spoke on the topic: “Making Your Money Work for You”. According to her, a paltry 2.9% women participate in the capital market in Nigeria, which makes her sad, given the enormous promises of financial freedom on offer through capital market and other assets. “I know why this is so interesting, we work so hard for this money, but your money has the opportunity to work harder than you could ever, and that’s what investment does for us now and there are so many platforms to help you do that. It is difficult and you may not have much time but the goal is to create that hunger, get that awareness that puts you in the circle to know about opportunities and key into them. Like others, the panel session focusing on Women in Music and titled “Music: More Than Talent”, was another inspired moment of honest conversations and key insights. Moderated by experienced radio personality and former Programmes Director at Beat FM, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, it featured Niniola and Rima Tahini-Ighodaro, Senior VP A&R & Creatives at Mavin Global/Kupanda Capital.