The Group Managing Director of SO&U, one of Africa’s foremost marketing communications groups Udeme Ufot has been named as chairman at the inaugural QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit scheduled to hold on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
Penpushing reports that this was unveiled in a statement by the Chief Executive Officer, Mighty Media Plus Network Limited, publishers of the online newspaper QEDNG, Olumide Iyanda, adding that the summit will take place at Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, Ikeja, Lagos.
The statement said the theme of the summit is “Financing as Catalysts for a Thriving Creative Economy,” stressing that 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.
Penpushing further reports that Iyanda, a veteran journalist stated that Ufot’s career achievements and support for the creative economy make him an ideal choice, recalling his long-standing relationship with QEDNG, dating back to the platform’s launch in 2014.
“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’, he said.
Penpushing also reports that the statement emphasized that Ufot’s guidance and encouragement helped shape QEDNG’s direction and identity, adding that his presence as chairman will underscore his role as a thought leader and champion of Nigeria’s creative industry.
“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.
Penpushing reports that Ufot began his career in 1984 at Insight Communications, where he rose to the position of Deputy Creative Director (Art), and in 1989, he joined CASERS as Creative Director.
The convener of the summit added that Ufot, just six months later, he co-founded SO&U, which has since become one of Nigeria’s most respected advertising agencies, stating that 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.
Penpushing further reports that the statement said over the years, Ufot has held several leadership roles in the industry, having served as President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) and Chairman of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).
The statement added that 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).
Penpushing also reports that Ufot is committed to developing future industry leaders and he mentors young professionals and lectures at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, where he chairs the advisory board.
The statement said 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.
Penpushing reports the convener of the summit stated that tn 2014, the Federal Government of Nigeria honoured Ufot with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contributions to the corporate sector, adding that he is married to Dorothy Udeme Ufot, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and they are blessed with two children.
The statement added that QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit is open to a broad audience, including artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers, advertisers, academics, and financial institutions, while it is expected to be a landmark event for collaboration, innovation, and investment in Nigeria’s creative economy.
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