Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has unveiled Makemation, Africa’s first feature film centered around Artificial Intelligence (AI), marking a significant milestone in the creative industry. The film, produced by human development expert Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, will premiere in Lagos on Friday, April 18, 2025.
At the unveiling ceremony held in Marina on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu praised the film’s producer and cast, stressing the importance of collaboration in fostering innovation. He expressed his commitment to working with creatives in Lagos to enhance the state’s creative sector and provide the necessary infrastructure for growth.
“This production highlights the power of collaboration. We need more partnerships like this. Our role is to enable and create platforms for you to excel,” Sanwo-Olu said, reaffirming the government’s dedication to supporting the creative industry.
Makemation explores key themes such as STEM education, digital skills, financial literacy, and gender equality, while delving into the transformative power of AI and its role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Producer Akerele-Ogunsiji emphasized that the film showcases the intersection of real life and AI, featuring groundbreaking innovations like bras designed to detect breast cancer.
“This film is about the future. We must move beyond consuming innovation and start creating our own,” Akerele-Ogunsiji said. “Nigerian films should highlight our indigenous innovations, and Makemation is a step in that direction.”
The star-studded cast includes Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu. The film blends family drama, AI, and pop culture into an engaging narrative that reflects the potential impact of AI on society.
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, also spoke at the event, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to empower creatives. She revealed that over the past six years, nearly 20,000 young Nigerians have been trained in filmmaking, content creation, and other creative fields through strategic partnerships with institutions like EbonyLife Academy, Gidi Creatives, AMA Creative Academy, and Delyork Academy.
Benson-Awoyinka stressed the importance of technology in the future of the creative industry, pointing out that Lagos is positioning itself as a leader in digital innovation. She also mentioned the government’s efforts to create global opportunities for Nigerian filmmakers by providing grants for high-quality productions.
Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, praised the support of Governor Sanwo-Olu for filmmakers, expressing excitement about being part of the project.
“We now need the media’s backing to create buzz around this innovation,” Nuhu said.
Microsoft’s Country Manager, Olatomiwa Williams, also commended the initiative, emphasizing the need for responsible AI education in Nigeria. She called for collaborations between tech hubs, schools, government, and private organizations to expand AI education and awareness.
Livespot360 Co-Founder Oluwadamilare Art Alade highlighted how AI can play a role in preserving cultural heritage, underscoring the significance of the Makemation project in this regard.
With its unique blend of Nollywood stars, tech experts, and public officials, Makemation stands as a significant cultural milestone. The film promises to be an innovative, high-energy exploration of AI’s role in shaping the future of Nigeria and beyond.
