By Emmanuel Okogba

ENUGU — Entrepreneur and creative industry advocate, Jasmine Chinaza Onyia, is gaining recognition for her efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s creative ecosystem through event production, talent development, and media initiatives focused on the Southeast region.

Onyia, Founder and Managing Director of NAZMINE360, has spent nearly a decade building a portfolio of projects aimed at promoting culture, tourism, entrepreneurship, and creative enterprise across the region.

Speaking on her vision, Onyia said she chose to build her business in the Southeast despite the growing trend of creatives relocating to major commercial hubs.

“The Southeast is rich in talent, innovation, and culture. I believe the region deserves platforms that showcase its strengths and create opportunities for young people to thrive,” she said.

Through NAZMINE360, Onyia has organized festivals, concerts, business summits, and experiential events that have attracted participants from different parts of the country.

Among the company’s flagship initiatives is the Food Meets Fashion Festival, an annual event that combines food, fashion, and lifestyle experiences. The platform has grown into a notable cultural gathering in the Southeast and has expanded through the Food Meets Fashion Cultural Tour, which has featured activities in Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Enugu.

According to Onyia, the objective is to create platforms that celebrate creativity while also generating economic opportunities.

“We are creating experiences that not only entertain but also connect businesses, creatives, and communities. Culture can be a powerful driver of economic growth when properly harnessed,” she said.

Beyond events, Onyia has launched the Creative and Digital Business (CRIB) Ecosystem, a platform designed to support skills development, networking, and collaboration among creatives and digital entrepreneurs.

The initiative comprises the CRIB Summit, CRIB Academy, and CRIB Community, all aimed at equipping participants with knowledge, mentorship, and industry connections.

The inaugural CRIB Summit is scheduled to hold on May 1, 2027, at the International Conference Centre in Enugu and is expected to attract thousands of participants from across the creative and digital sectors.

“Our goal is to build sustainable structures that help creatives grow successful careers and businesses. We want to create an ecosystem where talent can access opportunities, training, and support,” Onyia explained.

Her contributions to the cultural sector received further recognition in 2026 when she was appointed Deputy Festival Director of the Things Fall Apart Festival, an event celebrating the legacy of renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe.

She also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Southeast Creative Space, an organization focused on promoting artistic and creative development in the region.

In addition, Onyia is developing Southeast Trends, a digital media platform intended to spotlight stories, businesses, culture, and innovation from the Southeast.

She said the project is aimed at providing broader visibility for the region’s achievements and opportunities.

“There are many positive stories, businesses, and creative successes coming out of the Southeast. We want to create a platform that documents and amplifies those stories for a wider audience,” she said.

A TEDx speaker and advocate for regional development through creativity, Onyia has consistently called for increased investment in the creative economy and stronger support systems for emerging talents.

“The Southeast has always contributed significantly to Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape. Our task is to continue building the platforms and infrastructure that will help unlock even greater opportunities,” she added.

Industry observers say Onyia’s growing portfolio reflects a broader movement among creative entrepreneurs seeking to expand opportunities beyond Nigeria’s traditional entertainment hubs and strengthen local creative ecosystems across the country.