Speaking as Chairman at the opening of the QEDNG Powerhouse Summit themed “Financing as Catalyst for a Thriving Creative Economy”, Ufot urged stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric to concrete action.

Organised by Mighty Media Plus Network Limited and QEDNG, the summit brought together policymakers, financiers, creators, and media leaders to address persistent funding challenges in the sector.

“The creative industry in Nigeria is one of our most vibrant and resilient sectors,” Ufot said. “Yet, despite our abundance of talent and the undeniable economic value of creativity, financing remains the single biggest roadblock. Without sustainable and strategic funding, ideas remain trapped in notebooks, studios shut down, and potential is lost.”

Ufot emphasised that financing must be smart, flexible, and production driven as well as designed to scale creative enterprises, protect intellectual property, and stimulate job creation.

He called for the development of financial products tailored to the creative industry, government policies that reward innovation and calculated risk-taking, and a stronger evidence base to demonstrate the sector’s social and economic impact.

He also underscored the importance of creatives investing in personal development, acquiring financial literacy, and adopting sound business management practices to reassure investors of their capacity to manage funds effectively.

“This is not about throwing money at the industry,” he noted. “It’s about smart financing that aligns with the realities of creative work. We must ask ourselves how to de-risk investment in the sector, what global financing models can be adapted, how to protect intellectual property in the digital age, and how to ensure the next generation has access to the tools, skills, and capital they need.”

He proposed the establishment of an industry-wide creative investment fund, stronger policy frameworks, and collaborative platforms to sustain momentum beyond the summit.

“Creativity is more than entertainment, it is identity, influence, and industry,” Ufot concluded. “If we wish to diversify Nigeria’s economy and empower our youths, investing in creativity is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It is a low-hanging fruit that can transform our bulging youth demographics into a great national asset.”

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Ufot is the group managing director of SO&U, one of Africa’s foremost marketing communications groups.

The announcement was made in a statement on Friday. It follows the recent confirmation that the summit will take place on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

Themed “Financing as Catalysts for a Thriving Creative Economy,” the summit will bring together key figures in the creative space—including industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and emerging talents—to discuss ways to boost the sector’s growth and sustainability.

Olumide Iyanda, chief executive officer of Mighty Media Plus Network Limited and Convener of the summit, said Ufot’s career achievements and support for the creative economy make him an ideal choice.

“The summit will explore innovative funding solutions, fostering partnerships between creatives and investors, and provide tools for effective financial management. It will also serve as a space for collaboration between creatives, industry leaders, and policymakers to drive sustainable growth,” Iyanda said.

He recalled Ufot’s long-standing relationship with QEDNG, dating back to the platform’s launch in 2014. According to him, Ufot’s guidance and encouragement helped shape QEDNG’s direction and identity.

“Mr Ufot’s position as chairman will underscore his role as a thought leader and champion of Nigeria’s creative industry. His leadership and insights will inspire participants to pursue innovation and excellence, reinforcing the importance of strategic collaboration. It will also highlight his pivotal contributions to the advancement of the creative sector in Nigeria,” Iyanda added.

Ufot began his career in 1984 at Insight Communications, where he rose to the position of Deputy Creative Director (Art). In 1989, he joined CASERS as Creative Director.

Just six months later, he co-founded SO&U, which has since become one of Nigeria’s most respected advertising agencies.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and has also completed programmes at the Swedish Institute of Management and the Lagos Business School.

Over the years, Ufot has held several leadership roles in the industry. He served as President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) and Chairman of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

He also chairs the Board of the Policy Innovation Centre, sits on the board of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), and co-chairs its Policy Commission on Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Creative Industries and Sports (THECS).

Ufot is committed to developing future industry leaders. He mentors young professionals and lectures at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, where he chairs the advisory board.

He is a past President of the Lagos Business School Alumni Association and former Board Chair of LEAP Africa, a non-profit organisation focused on youth leadership and entrepreneurship. He also serves on the board of Special Olympics Nigeria.

In 2014, the Federal Government of Nigeria honoured him with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contributions to the corporate sector.

The QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit is open to a broad audience, including artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers, advertisers, academics, and financial institutions.

It is expected to be a landmark event for collaboration, innovation, and investment in Nigeria’s creative economy.

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