…Steve Babaeko, Alex Okosi, Omawumi Ogbe, others

Five outstanding Nigerian professionals have been named on the inaugural 2025 DARE (Dream, Act, Reimagine, Empower) List of Next-Gen Black Leaders in Creativity.

The honorees—Steve Babaeko, Alex Okosi, Esosa Osagiede, Sinmi Hughes-Obisesan, and Omawumi Ogbe—join a prestigious global lineup of 44 visionaries shaping the future of advertising, media, entertainment, and technology.

The DARE List, released by ‘Black At,’ recognises Black executives, agencies, and creatives pioneering new narratives, driving business growth, and redefining industry standards through innovation and cultural influence.

Nigeria’s creative sector, which has gained global prominence over the years, is well represented on this prestigious list, further cementing the country’s role as a powerhouse in creativity and innovation.

The 2025 DARE List features professionals from across the world, including the United States, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.

The inclusion of five Nigerians on this prestigious list confirms the country’s vibrant and evolving creative landscape.

Read also:100 Nigerian business owners and professionals to watch out for in 2025

Notable honorees include: Kimberly Paige, Chief Marketing Officer, BET/Paramount (US); Sbusiso Kumalo, Chief Marketing Officer, African Bank (South Africa); Richard McLeod, Chief Marketing Officer, Merrell (US), Andrea Quaye, Chief Marketing Officer, Heineken (South Africa); and Damon Jones, Chief Communications Officer, Procter & Gamble (US).

Others are: Tyrona (Ty) Heath, Director, The B2B Institute, LinkedIn (US); Dominic Carter, Executive Vice President (Publisher), The Sun (UK); Reggie Saunders, Vice President, Entertainment Marketing, Nike (Jordan) (US); and Tseliso Rangaka, Chief Creative Officer (Africa Creative Lead), Studio X (WPP/Coca-Cola) (South Africa).

From advertising to media and brand strategy, these professionals have made significant contributions, inspiring a new generation of African creatives and business leaders. Their work not only shapes industries locally but also impacts the global stage.

According to Peter Ukhurebor, CEO of Black At, “The future of creativity lies in diverse voices leading the conversation. Black executives are not just participating in this shift; they’re driving it, creating space for new ideas, fresh perspectives, and groundbreaking innovation.”

As Nigeria continues to gain recognition for its creative excellence, this acknowledgment on the 2025 DARE List underscores the country’s role in shaping global industry trends and championing diverse storytelling.

Iheanyi Nwachukwu, is a creative content writer with over 18 years journalism experience writing on banking, finance and capital markets. The multiple awards winning journalist is Assistant Editor, BusinessDay. Iheanyi holds BSc Degree in Economics from Imo State University; Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Management from University of Lagos. Iheanyi has attended several work-related trainings including (i) Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (Pan African University, Lagos); (ii) News Agency Journalism (Indian Institute of Mass Communication {IIMC}, New Delhi, India); and (iii) Capital Markets Development and Regulations (International Law Institute {ILI} of Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA).

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