The forthcoming Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, scheduled from June 17th to 21st in Cannes, France, is poised to spotlight Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment industry through its distinguished jury panel. This selection not only underscores the nation’s thriving creative landscape but also highlights Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage of entertainment.
Steve Babaeko, renowned as the innovative CEO and Chief Creative Officer of X3M Ideas, has been appointed to the esteemed jury panel under the Print & Publishing category. Babaeko’s visionary approach to creativity has propelled X3M Ideas to the forefront of Nigerian advertising, where he has set new benchmarks for creative entrepreneurship. His unwavering commitment to excellence has garnered global recognition, including the prestigious honor of being named one of Adweek’s Top 100 Creatives in the world.
Chima Okenimkpe, the esteemed Executive Creative Director of Publicis West Africa, joins the jury panel, contributing over two decades of invaluable advertising expertise to the Direct category. Renowned for his exceptional work on award-winning campaigns for multinational brands, Okenimkpe is recognized as a trailblazer in creatively bridging global brands with the diverse nuances of African consumers. With a rich background spanning more than 20 years in the advertising industry, Okenimkpe brings his wealth of experience from his role as the Executive Creative Director of Publicis West Africa to the jury. His creative vision has played a pivotal role in the success of renowned campaigns for major brands such as Pepsi, Samsung, and Heineken.
Obi Asika, the Director-General and CEO of the National Council of Arts and Culture, Nigeria, joins the jury for the Entertainment Lions for Music category. A tireless advocate for the Nigerian creative industries, Asika, is widely recognized for his role in the global rise of Afrobeats and the Nigerian music industry. Asika’s influence extends beyond music; he previously led Storm 360/Storm Records, a multi-award-winning entertainment company, and co-founded Social Media Week Lagos, Africa’s biggest new media and technology conference. As a driving force behind the global rise of Nigerian music and Afrobeats, Asika’s visionary leadership has solidified Nigeria’s position as a cultural powerhouse on the world stage.
Mary Njoku, the visionary Founder and CEO of ROK Studios, represents the Film category. With an extensive catalogue of original content and a strategic expansion into international markets, Njoku has revolutionized the Nigerian entertainment industry, culminating in ROK Studios’ landmark acquisition by French TV giant CANAL+. She brings her knowledge and achievements to the table. Established in 2013, ROK Studios boasts a vast library of over 3,000 hours of original content, including movies and TV series, making it a leader in African entertainment. Njoku’s leadership led to the launch of the ROK channel on Sky in the UK in 2016, followed by ROK on DSTV across Africa in the same year. In 2019, ROK Studios was acquired by French TV giant CANAL+, solidifying its position in the industry.
Additionally, Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, Executive Head of Marketing, Communication & CSI at Standard Bank Africa Regions & Offshore, Africa, adds her expertise to the Sustainable Development Goals category. With a passion for social impact and corporate storytelling, Olumide-Ojo has championed initiatives that empower youth and drive positive change across Africa.
As Nigeria takes the center stage on the global platform of Cannes Lions, these trailblazers epitomize the nation’s rich reservoir of talent and highlight Africa’s burgeoning influence in shaping the trajectory of creativity and entertainment worldwide. Their inclusion in the esteemed Cannes Lions jury not only serves as a tribute to their individual accomplishments but also heralds a new era of acknowledgment for African creativity on the global arena.
Their diverse achievements span across various domains, including creative advertising, music, film production, and corporate social impact, showcasing the multifaceted strength of Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment sector. As they step into their roles on the esteemed Cannes Lions jury, these industry leaders are poised to offer invaluable perspectives and insights, ensuring that the 2024 festival mirrors the dynamic and diverse landscape of global creativity and innovation in entertainment.
Furthermore, their presence on this international stage not only opens doors for future generations of Nigerian creatives but also solidifies Nigeria’s position as a powerhouse of creativity and innovation on the global scale. With their expertise guiding the way, Nigeria’s entertainment industry is primed to ascend to even greater heights, leaving an enduring imprint on the global stage for years to come.
