Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the upcoming release of Makemation, Africa’s first feature film focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology. The Nollywood sci-fi film will premiere in cinemas across Nigeria on April 18, 2025, during the Easter weekend.
A Milestone for Nollywood & Tech-Driven Storytelling
Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creativity and innovation, particularly in the film industry.
“We have consistently prioritised the growth of our creative industry. Supporting initiatives like this helps showcase technology’s potential in storytelling while promoting talented Nigerian filmmakers and artists,” he stated.
The film blends AI, STEM education, financial literacy, and digital innovation, presenting a futuristic story aimed at inspiring young Nigerians to become creators, not just consumers, of technology.
A Vision for Africa’s Tech Future
🎬 Producer Akerele-Ogunsiji highlighted the film’s role in encouraging innovation:
“Viewers will see young people designing AI-powered bras for breast cancer detection. Nigeria must move beyond consuming technology—we must build our own.”
The star-studded cast includes Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu, blending high-stakes storytelling with AI-driven themes.
Government’s Investment in Creative Talent & Digital Innovation
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, emphasized the government’s efforts in:
✅ Training 20,000+ Nigerian youths in filmmaking, content creation, and digital skills.
✅ Partnering with EbonyLife Academy, Gidi Creatives, AMA Creative Academy, and Delyork Academy to build a competitive creative workforce.
✅ Supporting filmmakers financially to ensure Nollywood competes on the global stage.
“By investing in local storytelling, we create jobs and ensure our narratives reach global audiences,” she noted.
The state is also advancing in digital innovation, recently engaging with tech entrepreneur Ghazi Shami in San Francisco to foster global creative-tech collaborations.
Tech & Industry Leaders Weigh In
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💡 Ali Nuhu, who stars in the film and serves as Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, praised Lagos’ support:
“The governor’s backing is commendable. Now, we need the media to build momentum around this film.”
💻 Microsoft’s Country Manager, Olatomiwa Williams, called for deeper investments in AI education:
“We must focus on responsible AI learning, involving government, tech hubs, schools, and private firms.”
🎭 Oluwadamilare Art Alade, co-founder of Livespot360, emphasized AI’s role in preserving African culture:
“Technology should be harnessed for entertainment and cultural preservation.”
A Turning Point for Nollywood & AI in Africa
Makemation is a bold step forward, blending AI, social impact, and entertainment in a way never before seen in African cinema.
With government backing, tech industry collaborations, and Nollywood’s storytelling expertise, the film is expected to:
🚀 Spark conversations on AI, digital transformation, and the future of Nollywood.
🎥 Bolster Nigeria’s influence in the global creative-tech economy.
🌍 Showcase African innovation through film.
As Makemation hits cinemas on April 18, 2025, it is set to inspire the next generation of African tech pioneers—both on and off the screen.
