NEMCEA 2026: EMCOAN Unveils Roadmap to Empower Creators and Secure Media Future

By Quadri Debola Faustina

The Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria (EMCOAN) has officially set the stage for the fifth edition of the Nigerian Electronic Media Content Exhibition and Awards (NEMCEA), the 2026 edition.

Unveiled during a Press Conference in Lagos yesterday Thursday 13th, August 2026 under the theme, “The Creator’s Economy: Elevate Your Craft, Secure Your Future,” the upcoming event is scheduled to take place on September 2nd and 3rd at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Designed as a transformative platform for the creative sector, this year’s edition aims to bridge artistic innovation with commercial stability and risk management.

The Proceedings began with an opening prayer, followed immediately by an address from Mrs. Winifred Akpan, representing the Director General (DG) Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) – Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, who emphasized the vital interplay between media regulation and creative enterprise. The opening remarks by the ARCON DG transitioned seamlessly into a promotional materials segment display on screen highlighting the Awareness Promos, Master Class promo, the DG’s Roundtable and promos from the lead sponsors like Zee World, Standard Insurance Consultants Ltd etc.

The Master of Ceremonies, Mr.  Sebastine Okoromi ( EMCOAN PRO) welcomed EMCOAN Leadership ( BOT & Executive) and other distinguished representatives  of the NEMCEA 2026 Sponsors & Partners to the high table. Among the prominent figures recognized were EMCOAN President Mr. Adeniji Omirin, Zee World Business Developer Manager, Justina Iroko, the Managing Director, Standard Insurance Consultants Ltd., Alhaji. Oladipo Bolaji Zaheed,, Mr. Raphael Akpan, the Zonal Director, Lagos of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)  who represented the Director General – Mr. Charles Ebuebu, the Director, Marketing & Sponsorship, LAPO Microfinance Bank – Mr. Oluremi Akande, the representative of Maxi Media Communications, Mr. Olanrewaju Adebiyi.

Others were the 2026 NEMCEA Project Director Mr. Alayande Stephen T., Veteran Nollywood  Actor/Producer – High Chief Emeka Ossai, MD/CEO of R-Wells Media, Mrs. Jibe Ologeh,  Chairperson, NEMCEA Awards Jury – Madam Patience Oghre-Imobhio.

Delivering his welcome address, EMCOAN President, Mr. Adeniji Omirin noted that the 2026 event has been deliberately structured to arm content creators with practical market knowledge and tangible commercial opportunities. He stressed that securing the future of the creative industry is impossible without directly confronting its operational and financial risks, expressing confidence in the caliber of industry leaders supporting this year’s gathering.

In his speech, he highlighted ” Today, content creators are no longer confined to the traditional television and radio studios. Content is being created, distributed and consumed across multiple platforms and devices.

Artificial intelligence, streaming platforms, social media, connected television, digital broadcasting and other emerging technologies are fundamentally changing how content is produced, distributed, consumed and monetised.” he submitted.

A central highlight of the two-day event will be the glamourous Awards designed to celebrate exceptional talent, innovation, and outstanding achievements across television, radio, and digital media platforms.

To safeguard the credibility and transparency of the honors and the awards, the press briefing featured the formal inauguration of the NEMCEA 2026 Jury, tasked with evaluating submissions spanning drama series, TV broadcast features, online content, international segment, and radio programming.

Following the Jury inauguration, the 2026 NEMCEA Project Director, Mr. Alayande Stephen T. took the podium to detail the core schedule for the September event. He highlighted an impressive lineup of facilitators and thought leaders expected at the gathering, including but not limited to Mr. Yinka Adebayo (Group Executive Director, Omnicom Media Group) , Neha Sharma (Vice President, Marketing Africa & VP East Africa for Zee World), Mr. Rotimi Pedro (Chairman, Digital Switch Over Team), Mr. Uwem Afanide (Managing Director, All Seasons Zenith Media Ltd), Mr. Lanre Adisa ( MD, Noah’s Ark Ltd.), Mrs. Shileola Ibironke (Managing Director, Micromedia Group), Dr. Sam Uche Anyamele (Nollywood Actor/ Lecturer), Tari Taylaur (Executive Director, Programnes, NTA) amongst many others.

In his words, he said ” Our focus this year is to move the industry from mere content creation to sustainable wealth creation, ensuring that practitioners across Television, Radio, and Online platforms do not only elevate the aesthetic and technical quality of their craft, but also robustly secure their intellectual property, revenue streams, and financial futures.” he proudly averred.

Strategic partners and sponsors also expressed their solidarity and confidence in the NEMCEA project, with Justina Iroko of Zee World extending warm felicitations to EMCOAN and confirming that the global broadcast network will be exhibiting at this year’s event as usual.

Corporate backing for creators took center stage as Sponsoring partners, financial and insurance institutions announced concrete incentives tied to the event in general and to the Industry Awards in particular.

The MD, Standard Insurance Consultants Limited (SICL), Alhaji Oladipo Bolaji Zaheed announced that the top ten Award Winners will receive a comprehensive one-year Health Insurance Policy, directly tackling vital welfare needs within the creative community courtesy SICL.

 Furthermore, Mr. Oluremi Akande of LAPO Microfinance Bank confirmed that they will also give out enterprise development resources, including financial books aimed at helping creators build sustainable businesses to top ten candidates courtesy of LAPO.

The Press Conference concluded with an interactive question and answer session, leaving media stakeholders optimistic about the upcoming industry gathering in September 2nd & 3rd, 2026.