• Screens Kunle Afolayan’s “October 1” in a convivial atmosphere

It was an atmosphere of conviviality and knowledge sharing as Abelinis Limited, a forward tech-driven experiential marketing company, hosted industry practitioners, undergraduates, students, and upwardly mobile high-net-worth individuals to the second edition of WITFLIX, an experiential learning initiative.

The event, which was held at the Kunle Afolayan Production Cinema on Wednesday, 26th October, featured the screening of Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 and a high-impact leadership conversation. brought together students from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Bells University, and a vibrant network of young individuals eager to learn, connect, and grow.

This edition featured an exclusive screening of Kunle Afolayan’s October 1, a film that blends history, conflict, culture, and national identity. Beyond entertainment, the movie served as the backdrop for a powerful conversation on leadership, communication, pressure, complexities of human behaviour, and conflict navigation, key themes embedded in the storyline.

Following the film screening, attendees were treated to an engaging and insightful panel session featuring two distinguished industry leaders, Mrs. Victoria Adewunmi, CEO, Watermark & Victoria, and Mr. Kingsley James, Managing Director, IDCL.ng. Their discussion offered profound insights into how the film mirrors real-life leadership challenges, communication lapses, and the emotional and psychological factors that influence human behaviour.

During the session, the facilitators explained that true leadership reveals itself in moments of pressure. Using the film’s protagonist as a reference, they highlighted the importance of clarity, courage, and strong values when navigating difficult situations. They also reminded the audience that communication goes beyond talking it requires active listening, understanding context, and managing emotions with intention and empathy.

They also explored how bias and personal trauma shape the way people react and make decisions. The speakers noted that many conflicts arise from unspoken experiences or assumptions, and encouraged attendees to become more emotionally aware. By understanding their own wounds and perspectives, young people can communicate more thoughtfully, reduce misunderstandings, and show compassion in everyday interactions. This flowed into a broader conversation about power dynamics and influence, and how authority and privilege, whether through knowledge, access, or position, must be handled responsibly and with integrity.

The facilitators concluded by emphasizing that personal growth and self-awareness are the real foundations of leadership. Individuals who understand their strengths, triggers, and blind spots are better equipped to build meaningful relationships, lead effectively, and handle conflict with maturity. They encouraged the audience to embrace continuous self-reflection as a pathway to becoming more intentional, confident, and influential leaders.

The atmosphere at WITFLIX was vibrant and engaging. Participants enjoyed interactive moments such as the photobooth experience, puzzle and word games, networking sessions, and live interview recordings. The presence of TVC News and Channels Television, who covered and documented the event, added to its credibility and visibility. Many attendees shared that the experience broadened their understanding of leadership, enhanced their communication skills, and inspired them to pursue personal growth with greater intentionality.

WITFLIX once again demonstrated the power of storytelling as a catalyst for learning and transformation. Through the fusion of cinema and conversation, Abelinis Limited created a space where young people could explore complex themes in a relatable and impactful way. The organization extends its appreciation to Malta Guinness, Ritemate, EXMAN, and the Brand Experience Summit for their partnership and unwavering support in shaping a meaningful experience for the next generation.

Abelinis Limited remains committed to empowering young minds with knowledge, confidence, and opportunities to lead with clarity and purpose. The WITFLIX initiative continues to set a standard for experiential education rooted in creativity, reflection, and real-life relevance.

• PHOTO, L-R: Femi Bello, the moderator, Milagrosa Nana Utomi, CEO MPXM Africa, Tolu Medebem, President EXMAN, Abiodun Oshinibosi, Founder WITFLIX, and Larry Thompson, Country Manager WITFLIX