Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday unveiled Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) feature film, Makemation, produced by human development expert Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji. The groundbreaking film, set to make its cinematic debut in Lagos on April 18, explores themes such as STEM education, digital skills, financial literacy, and gender equality.
Speaking at the unveiling event in Marina, Sanwo-Olu praised the producer and cast, which includes Nollywood stars like Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the creative industry through infrastructure development and partnerships.
“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. This is the most innovative industry. See this government as a partner in shaping the future we all desire,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Akerele-Ogunsiji, the producer, explained that Makemation examines the intersection of real life and AI, showcasing its transformative power and impact on the fourth industrial revolution. “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 said.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, highlighted the government’s efforts to empower creatives over the past six years. She revealed that nearly 20,000 young Nigerians have been trained in filmmaking, content creation, and other creative fields through partnerships with institutions like EbonyLife Academy, Gidi Creatives, AMA Creative Academy, and Delyork Academy.
Benson-Awoyinka emphasized the importance of technology in the industry’s future, noting that Lagos is positioning itself as a leader in digital innovation. “Our visit to San Francisco to engage with tech entrepreneur Ghazi Shami was a strategic step toward fostering strong digital partnerships. We aim to build a globally competitive workforce ready to dominate the creative economy,” she said.
She also mentioned that the government has provided grants to filmmakers to support high-quality productions capable of competing internationally. “By investing in local storytelling, we ensure our narratives reach global audiences while creating jobs within the industry,” she added.
Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation and a cast member, commended Sanwo-Olu’s support for filmmakers. “As part of the cast, I am excited about this project. The governor’s support is commendable. We now need the media’s backing to create buzz around this innovation,” he said.
Microsoft’s Country Manager, Olatomiwa Williams, stressed the need to equip young Nigerians with responsible AI skills. “This initiative is inspiring. With government support, we must focus on educating Nigerians on responsible AI use,” she said, advocating for collaborations between tech hubs, government, schools, and private organizations.
Livespot360 Co-Founder, Oluwadamilare Art Alade, highlighted AI’s role in preserving cultural heritage. Makemation blends pop culture, research, and AI into a high-tension, comedic masterpiece, featuring an unconventional mix of Nollywood stars, tech experts, public officials, and social media talents.
The film marks a significant milestone in Africa’s creative industry, showcasing the potential of AI to drive innovation and storytelling while addressing critical societal issues.
