The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) of the Federal Ministry for Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) has appointed Engr. Charles Uchenna Emembolu to chair the Council for Creative Technology Futures (CCTF), a pioneering body set to drive innovation in Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries through advanced technologies and platform including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Web3.0, and blockchain.
The CCTF’s mandate is to position Nigeria as a global leader in creative innovation by developing a National Creative-Tech Framework and Roadmap, shaping policy reforms in intellectual property protection, taxation, and technology adoption, and spearheading flagship initiatives such as the Creative Futures Fund, ICE Hubs, and Discover Naija. These will expand job creation, skills development, and global market access for Nigerian creatives across 49 industry sectors.
Engr. Emembolu is a technology entrepreneur, innovation policy advocate, and current Chairman of the Innovation Support Network (ISN) Nigeria, representing over 220 incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs nationwide. He is also Co-Convenor of the Omniverse Africa Summit, which unites technology and creative sector leaders from across the continent.
At the heart of the Council’s direction and coordination is Mr. Obi Asika, the dynamic Director-General of NCAC, whose track record, leadership and deep industry expertise will anchor the CCTF’s vision, ensure high-level stakeholder engagement, and drive alignment across Nigeria’s diverse creative and technology ecosystems. The ministry of FMACTCE is led by Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa.
“Our creative economy is a catalyst for technology-driven prosperity. The present is digital, global, and transformative. Through CCTF, we will channel that momentum into capital, ownership, and innovation, enabling more homegrown platforms that consolidate our creatives’ global leadership as owners of their value ecosystems,” said Emembolu.
The NCAC will serve as the Secretariat for the CCTF, whose inaugural council members are:
- Charles Emembolu— TechQuest, IT Expert & Talent Development (Chair)
- Misan Harriman— Director/Photographer
- Dayo Elegbe— Sponge Group (Digital Marketing)
- Bizzle Oshikoya— The Plug (Music & Talent Management)
- Kemi Awodein— MD, Chapel Hill Denham (Investments & Advisory)
- Osas Peter— Founder, BlackAt
- Malik Afegbua— AI Storytelling & Creative Visual Futurism
- Sandra Oyewole— Olajide Oyewole & Co. (IP Lawyer)
- Judith Okonkwo— Imisi 3D; AR & Deep Tech Leader
- Dahiru Sani— Founder, Kaduna Business School
- Dr Chinedu Odoala – NCAC (CCTF Secretariat)
The CCTF will seek to deliver actionable frameworks, after which implementation will scale nationally and internationally.
Engr. Charles Emembolu, FNIEEE, FNCS, is a distinguished technology entrepreneur, innovation ecosystem leader, and talent development advocate. He is Co-Founder of Roar Nigeria Hub, the nation’s first university-embedded tech incubator, and Founder/CEO of Crestsage Limited, a leading IT solutions provider. Through his initiatives, including TechQuest STEM Academy, he has empowered over 100,000 young Nigerians with digital and business skills.
As Chairman of the Innovation Support Network (ISN) Nigeria, he leads over 220 innovation hubs, shaping policy and fostering growth in the startup and innovation ecosystem. Emembolu is also Co-Convenor of the Omniverse Africa Summit.
His recent appointment to the Council for Creative Technology Futures (CCTF) positions him and the council members to integrate emerging technologies into Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries, driving economic diversification, global competitiveness, and sustainable job creation in Africa’s largest creative economy.