Lagos leads AI revolution in Nollywood with ‘Makemation’ Premiere

Lagos State has taken a bold step into the future of filmmaking as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially unveiled Makemation, Africa’s first artificial intelligence-driven feature film, at the State House, Marina, on Sunday, 9 March 2025.

The landmark event brought together key figures from the film and technology industries to witness this groundbreaking fusion of AI and Nollywood.

Produced by human development expert Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Makemation marks a major milestone for Nigerian cinema. It seamlessly integrates artificial intelligence with socially relevant themes and entertainment in an unprecedented manner.

The film is set for a grand cinematic debut in Lagos on Friday, 18 April, during the Easter weekend.

Lagos State Champions Innovation in Entertainment

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the producer and cast, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the entertainment sector. He pledged continued support for initiatives that drive technological advancement and empower young creatives.

“We have consistently prioritised the growth of our creative industry. Supporting innovations like this not only showcases the transformative potential of technology in storytelling but also solidifies Lagos as a hub for creative excellence,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

A Film Shaping the Future

Makemation explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and real-life applications, delving into crucial themes such as STEM education, financial literacy, digital skills, and gender equality.

According to Akerele-Ogunsiji, the film aims to inspire young Nigerians to go beyond being mere consumers of technology and instead harness it as a tool for problem-solving.

“Viewers will see young people designing bras that detect breast cancer. We must move beyond consuming innovation and start building our own. Nigerian films should showcase our indigenous innovations. This film is for the future. Success isn’t reserved for a select few,” she emphasised.

Boasting a stellar cast of Nollywood icons, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu, the film blends meticulous research, pop culture, and high-stakes storytelling with AI-driven themes.

Government’s Commitment to Nollywood’s Growth

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, highlighted the government’s continued investment in the creative industry. She revealed that nearly 20,000 young Nigerians have received training in filmmaking and content creation through partnerships with institutions such as EbonyLife Academy, Gidi Creatives, AMA Creative Academy, and Delyork Academy.

Beyond skill development, she underscored the state’s financial backing for Nollywood, ensuring that local productions can compete on the global stage.

“By investing in our stories, we ensure that Nigerian narratives reach global audiences while creating jobs within the industry,” she stated.

She also pointed to Lagos’ increasing focus on digital innovation, referencing a recent visit to San Francisco to engage with tech entrepreneur Ghazi Shami.

“This was a strategic move to build strong digital partnerships. Our goal is to develop a globally competitive workforce ready to thrive in the creative economy,” she added.

Tech Experts and Industry Veterans Weigh In

At a panel discussion during the unveiling, Microsoft’s Country Manager, Olatomiwa Williams, underscored the need to equip young Nigerians with responsible AI skills. She emphasised collaboration between government, tech hubs, educational institutions, and private organisations to drive AI education.

“This initiative is truly inspiring. With strong government support, we must focus on educating Nigerians on responsible AI usage,” she stated.

Oluwadamilare Art Alade, co-founder of Livespot360, highlighted AI’s potential in preserving African culture and history. He stressed that technology should not only be leveraged for entertainment but also for cultural documentation and heritage conservation.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation and cast member Ali Nuhu lauded the Lagos State government for its commitment to the film industry.

“As part of the cast, I am thrilled to be involved in this project. The governor’s support is commendable. Now, we need the media to create the buzz that this innovation deserves,” he said.

As Nigeria’s digital landscape evolves and the creative economy expands, Makemation is set to ignite critical conversations on AI, digital transformation, and Nollywood’s global future.

By Sandra Udeike