Co-founder of Livespot360 and renowned entrepreneur, Deola Art Alade, recently hosted the Women Driving Culture Luncheon, an exclusive gathering that brought together some of Nigeria’s most influential women shaping the nation’s creative, cultural and consumer economy.
Held at Mr Panther in Victoria Island, Lagos, the luncheon was conceived as a strategic meeting point for collaboration, leadership and long-term cultural influence. It created space for meaningful conversations among women driving change across film, fashion, beauty, media, technology and public policy.
The event attracted a wide range of industry leaders and creatives, including fashion designer Lisa Folawiyo; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka; Design Week Lagos founder, Titi Ogufere; music pioneer Sasha P; filmmaker and YouTuber Korty Eniola; actress and producer Ruth Kadiri; Funmbi Ogunbanwo of Fatherland Productions; screenwriter Nicole Asinugo; beauty entrepreneurs Beatrice Eneh of Nectar Beauty Hub and Banke Meshida-Lawal of BM Pro; Tobi Hamilton of The House Lagos; and Leslie Okoye of Cookie Skin.
Also present were media executives, storytellers and cultural leaders such as Osayi Alile of ACT Foundation; Addy Awofisayo, Head of YouTube Music for Sub-Saharan Africa; journalist and media entrepreneur Stephanie Busari; CNN producer Lamide Akintobi; Busola Tejumola of MultiChoice West Africa; filmmaker Kemi Adetiba (Director Pink); entertainment lawyer Yemisi Falaye; and Blossom Maduafokwa of Nataal and the Grammys, among many others.
Designed to encourage open and honest exchange, discussions at the luncheon focused on access to capital, ownership of African narratives, cross-industry partnerships and how women can collectively influence policy, platforms and opportunities within Nigeria’s creative economy. A key goal was to spark mentorship and collaboration beyond the event.
Addressing guests, Deola Art Alade explained the purpose behind the gathering.
“When women are intentional about lifting other women, the impact goes far beyond one person. We change rooms, we change systems, and 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 move forward,” she said.
The luncheon highlighted a growing shift toward intentional, female-led power networks within Africa’s creative industries. Women Driving Culture was supported by Livespot360, Moët & Chandon, M·A·C Cosmetics and Estée Lauder, reflecting their continued commitment to women-led leadership and cultural impact.
