Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu unveiled Makemation on Monday, March 10, 2025, marking the continent’s first feature film powered by artificial intelligence. The project, produced by human development expert Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, is slated for theatrical release in Lagos on April 18, 2025, with plans for broader distribution across Nigeria and international markets.
A Fusion of Innovation and Storytelling
Makemation centers on the journey of a resilient young girl from a low-income Lagos community who harnesses AI to address systemic challenges. Blending drama, humor, and social commentary, the film explores themes like STEM education, gender equality, and financial literacy. One standout subplot follows a group of youths designing AI-powered bras capable of early breast cancer detection—a nod to grassroots innovation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu hailed the project as a testament to Lagos’ evolving creative economy during the film’s unveiling in Marina. “This collaboration between government, creatives, and technologists proves what’s possible when talent meets opportunity,” he said. “Our goal is to position Lagos as a global hub for digital storytelling.”
Star-Studded Cast and Cultural Vision
The film features Nollywood heavyweights, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Shaffy Bello, and Ali Nuhu, who also serves as Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation. Nuhu praised the state’s investment in Nollywood, emphasizing the need for media partnerships to amplify the film’s message.
Akerele-Ogunsiji, the producer, described Makemation as a “four-quadrant family drama” merging pop culture with cutting-edge tech. “We’re shifting from being tech consumers to creators,” she said. “This story isn’t just entertainment—it’s a call to action for African innovators.”
Lagos State’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, highlighted ongoing efforts to bolster the creative sector, including training over 20,000 youths in filmmaking and content creation since 2019 through partnerships with institutions like EbonyLife Academy and Delyork Academy.
The state’s collaboration with global tech leaders also came into focus. Olatomiwa Williams, Microsoft Nigeria’s Country Manager, stressed the urgency of equipping young Nigerians with AI skills, while Livespot360 co-founder Oluwadamilare Art Alade underscored AI’s potential to preserve cultural heritage.
Beyond its cinematic ambitions, Makemation reflects Lagos’ strategic push to merge technology with economic growth. The state recently announced a N500 million grant for local filmmakers and secured partnerships with Silicon Valley leaders, including tech entrepreneur Ghazi Shami.
