Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled Makemation, Africa’s first feature film on Artificial Intelligence. The film, produced by human development expert Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, is set to premiere in Lagos on Friday, April 18.
Speaking at the unveiling event in Marina, Sanwo-Olu praised the film’s producer and cast, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting the creative industry. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and pledged continued investment in infrastructure to help creatives thrive.
“This production showcases the power of partnerships. Our role as a government is to create platforms for you to excel,” he said. “The creative industry is one of the most innovative sectors, and we remain committed to fostering its growth.”
Makemation: A Blend of AI, STEM, and Nollywood
Producer Akerele-Ogunsiji described Makemation as a film that explores the intersection of real life and AI, covering themes such as STEM education, digital skills, financial literacy, and gender equality.
Starring Nollywood icons Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu, the film highlights AI’s transformative impact, particularly in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Viewers will see young innovators designing AI-powered bras that detect breast cancer. Nigeria must move from being consumers of innovation to creators,” she said. “This film is a vision for the future—our stories should reflect our ingenuity.”
Government’s Commitment to the Creative Industry
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, outlined the government’s efforts to empower creatives, noting that nearly 20,000 young Nigerians have been trained in filmmaking, content creation, and other fields through partnerships with institutions like EbonyLife Academy and AMA Creative Academy.
She emphasized Lagos’ position as a leader in digital innovation, citing recent engagements with global tech entrepreneurs to foster collaboration.
“We are building a workforce that can compete globally in the creative economy,” she said, adding that the government has also provided grants to filmmakers to support high-quality productions with international appeal.
Industry Leaders Applaud the Initiative
Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, praised Governor Sanwo-Olu’s support for filmmakers and urged media support to amplify the film’s impact.
Microsoft’s Country Manager, Olatomiwa Williams, highlighted the need for responsible AI education, calling for stronger collaborations between government, tech hubs, and educational institutions.
Meanwhile, Livespot360 Co-Founder, Oluwadamilare Art Alade, underscored AI’s role in preserving cultural heritage, adding that Makemation blends pop culture, research, and AI into an engaging, high-tension, and comedic family drama.
With its fusion of Nollywood stars, tech experts, and public figures, Makemation is poised to make a bold statement about Africa’s potential in AI-driven storytelling.
