Broadcasting
BHM Celebrates Nigerian Advertising Icon Steve Babaeko @ 50
BlackHouse Media (BHM), has congratulated Steve Babaeko, founder and CEO of X3M Group, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.
Steve Babaeko, Founder and CEO of X3M Group
A world-renowned expert on creative advertising and marketing communications, Babaeko’s unorthodox approach to his life’s work has endeared him to many and made him an inspiration for a generation of creatives and communicators.
Following the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Babaeko began his advertising career at Mc&A Saatchi & Saatchi in 1995, where he spent five years honing his craft before moving to Prima Garnet Ogilvy where he spent another five years.
After seven years at 141 Worldwide – where he worked as creative director and established himself as one of the best creative minds in the industry – he left to set up X3M Ideas in 2012.
His illustrious advertising career culminated in his election as the President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) in 2020.
Before his inevitable transition to that position, he held equally respectable roles, some of which include acting as Chairman of the board of Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) and member of the board of International Advertising Association (I.A.A), Nigeria.
Outside of advertising, he also served as the Chairman, Public Relations Committee of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce.
For more than 23 years, Steve has helped create some of the most iconic marketing works on the continent and is currently the only Nigerian named in Adweek’s elite list of 13 Global Creative leaders in 2019.
For three years running, he has served on the Grand Jury of the New York Advertising Festival and was a keynote speaker at the 2018 International Advertising Association conference.
Babaeko’s business acumen and work ethic have also seen him found and spearhead the development of X3M Ideas to become one of the most profitable companies in Nigeria’s marketing industry, recording a profit margin of 973% in 2015 – just three years after its establishment in August 2012.
The creative powerhouse has seen incredible growth in recent years with the establishment of fully functioning offices outside of Nigeria, including South Central African offices in Lusaka, Zambia, and in Accra, Ghana.
Congratulating Babaeko on the landmark occasion, founder and CEO, BHM Group, Ayeni Adekunle said, ‘’We are delighted to celebrate this great milestone with Steve.
He’s a role model, an inspiration and an exemplary leader for many. And I am in awe of the tremendous value he has channelled into the world through his steadfast leadership at X3M Ideas, where he has pushed the boundaries of creative expression and put Nigeria on the map as a formidable hub of talent and creative solutions. We wish him continued success and a memorable celebration.’’
Driven by creativity, Steve is already making his mark in the film industry, executive-producing the critically acclaimed Netflix documentary Awon Boyz produced by Zero Degrees – a film production studio also founded by the creative entrepreneur.
Broadcasting
Anambra State Government Launches SolutionLens to Drive Transparency and Citizen Engagement
Anambra State Government has launched SolutionLens, a technology-driven platform aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.
The platform, developed through a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Information, and the Anambra State ICT Agency, was unveiled on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Solution Innovation District (SID) Building in Awka.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, described SolutionLens as a democratic tool that simplifies the Open Government Partnership (OGP) process.
She emphasized its role in planning, budgeting, and fostering investor confidence through community-based feedback mechanisms.
In her remarks, Mrs. Ogochukwu Orji, the State Coordinator of OGP, noted that SolutionLens is designed to shine a light on public projects, empowering citizens to ask questions, hold the government accountable, and ensure resources are used for the common good.
Key Features of SolutionLens
Centralized digital hub for government projects
Interactive maps with a user-friendly interface
Live chat feature to connect citizens directly with MDAs
A live demonstration of the platform was conducted, followed by the formal inauguration of MDA focal persons, who will ensure the platform remains updated and responsive.
Participants commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for this forward-thinking initiative, describing SolutionLens as a game-changer in governance.
The government urged citizens to actively engage with the platform and spread awareness, emphasizing that this initiative will safeguard the integrity and prosperity of Anambra State for generations to come.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has been named among the “50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025,” a prestigious recognition celebrating visionary leadership in technology-driven governance.
Governor Alia’s administration has prioritized digital inclusion and ICT development, introducing groundbreaking initiatives that position Benue State at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital economy. Under his leadership, the government has established three key institutions: the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), and the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA).
Since assuming office, Alia has launched several digital initiatives, including training over 40,000 civil servants in e-governance tools and equipping 10,000 youths with digital skills. Additionally, the government has set up 276 e-commerce hubs across council wards to support local businesses and young entrepreneurs.
The BDIC, a core driver of Benue’s tech transformation, has spearheaded projects in digital financial inclusion, AI education, and broadband expansion. The state has also partnered with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to establish digital training hubs in all local government areas, targeting 23,000 trainees annually.
Alia’s recognition as one of Nigeria’s top digital leaders will be formalized at the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) 2025, scheduled for May 22 at The Colosseum, Lagos. The annual event, organized by Knowhow Media, brings together policymakers and innovators shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
Speaking on the selection process, Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee, praised Alia’s contribution, describing his digital initiatives as “transformational steps that set the benchmark for technology-driven governance.”
Previous editions of the 50MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy have honored notable figures such as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and NDPC CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji.
Governor Alia’s reforms reflect a broader shift towards digital governance in Nigeria, highlighting the potential of technology to drive inclusive economic growth and efficient public administration.
Creative Economy Ministry Secures $300M Investments Commitment
NITDA DG says its Community IT Centres Should be a Catalyst of Change
African Women Hit Hardest as Mobile Internet Gender Gap Persists
NITDA, CISCO Empower Youth with Digital Skills
Anambra State Government Launches SolutionLens to Drive Transparency and Citizen Engagement
NBC Loses Appeal as Tribunal Upholds ₦190m Fine for Misleading Packaging
MTN Appoints Egerton Idehen as Chief Broadband Officer
CBN Slams ₦250m Fine on Paystack Over Zap Wallet Operations
Nigeria Hits 1 Terabit Internet Traffic Milestone
MTN Nigeria Takes Broadband Services to the Next Level with FibreX Launch
General News3 days agoNITDA Advocates Strategic Partnership in Research to Unlock Nigeria’s Digital Potential
Telecom2 days ago₦800 Billion Infrastructure Plan Set to Boost MTN’s Network Quality Nationwide
Telecom3 days agoGSMA Urges Governments to Prioritise Affordable Spectrum Costs to Support Global Digital Growth
E-Business2 days agoNITDA, CISCO Empower Youth with Digital Skills
Telecom3 days agoTelcos Worry over Possible 5 Percent Tax Return
Telecom2 days agoAfrican Women Hit Hardest as Mobile Internet Gender Gap Persists
News2 days agoCreative Economy Ministry Secures $300M Investments Commitment
Telecom3 days agoSophos Launches MSP Elevate Program to Boost MSP Growth and Profitability