By Aderonke Ojediran

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has unveiled Africa’s first feature film on Artificial Intelligence, titled Makemation.

Speaking at the unveiling in Marina, Sanwo-Olu said the AI film, produced by human development expert, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, will make its cinematic debut in Lagos on Friday, April 18.

He praised the producer and cast, assuring creatives of his willingness to collaborate on transformative ideas that project and develop the state’s creative industry.

Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in essential infrastructure that will enable the creative sector to thrive.

“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,” he said.

Producer Akerele-Ogunsiji said the film explores themes such as STEM education, digital skills, financial literacy, and gender equality.

She noted that Makemation, starring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu, examines the intersection of real life and AI.

The film also explores AI’s transformative power and its impact on the fourth industrial revolution, she explained.

“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.

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 said the ministry has trained nearly 20,000 young Nigerians in filmmaking, content creation, and other creative fields through strategic partnerships.

Institutions such as EbonyLife Academy, Gidi Creatives, AMA Creative Academy, and Delyork Academy have collaborated on these initiatives, she added.

She stressed that technology is key to the industry’s future, with Lagos 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 added.

She noted 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 said.

Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, 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.

She advocated for collaborations between tech hubs, government, schools, and private organisations to expand AI education.

“This initiative is inspiring. With government support, we must focus on educating Nigerians on responsible AI use,” she said.

Livespot360 Co-Founder, Oluwadamilare Art Alade, highlighted AI’s role in preserving cultural heritage.

Makemation features Nollywood stars, tech experts, public officials, and social media talents in an unconventional mix.

The four-quadrant family drama blends pop culture, research, and AI into an engaging, high-tension, and comedic masterpiece. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Joshua Olomu

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has called on entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in the creative sector to invest in the development of the Abuja Creative City (ACC).

Musawa made the call at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and Creative Park Limited on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the collaborative MoU is aimed at developing the ACC as an entertainment, culture and creative hub and as well create jobs for teeming Nigerian youths.

According to Musawa, who signed on behalf of the Federal Government, the ACC is a visionary project designed to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading hub for innovation, media, culture, and entertainment.

The minister said some of the benefits for investors seeking to take advantage of investing in the creative city project include tax incentives for a specified period.

She said the project is scheduled for five-year completion, adding that there are plans to introduce reduced rates for water, electricity, and other utilities in the setting up of the initial phase of the project.

“This is a great project by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This is conceived to give the young people of Nigeria something that has never happened; bringing economic, cultural tourist expansion in a way Nigeria has never seen.

“It is an ecosystem system where we have the ability to grow the creative industry, and for me, today is a day that I’m extremely proud of, as one of the greatest honours of my life is being a Nigerian.

“For the rest of my life, I will be happy for this day, because I can see the vision and mission of President Bola Tinubu is coming into fruition.

“The president’s vision is not about just building the creative industry; his vision is about empowering future generations.

“I urge our investors and creative entrepreneurs to come and be part of this historic project for sustainable economic development,” she said.

Musawa said the city is designed to be a celebration of Nigeria’s history, showcasing arts, music, film and many more creative expressions while making it Africa’s cultural flagship centre.

According to the minister, the creative city will offer world-class recreational facilities like theatres and cinema with a view to creating more opportunities for Nigerian creative and boost economic activities in Abuja.

She explained that other incentives for investors include the streamlining of business registration, licensing, and operations processes, aimed at making the city an attractive destination for global enterprises.

In his remarks, Mr Bayo Omoboriowo, Managing Director of Creative Park Limited, lauded the minister for her initiative to drive the ACC as a public-private partnership (PPP) project.

He said the creative city, spanning 50 hectares of land, would offer world-class infrastructure, as obtainable in global creative hubs like the NEOM in Saudi Arabia, Dubai Media City, and Techhub in London.

“One thing that dawned on me is that Nigeria is no longer the country that should be taken for granted, for this is the future, and the future is now.

“This initiative goes beyond infrastructure; it is about the Nigerian people, a people who have great potential inside of them, and a people who until now, their hearts and trust have been looted.

“We are now talking about repatriation, and it goes beyond repatriation, we are asking for tomorrow.

“We are creating an ecosystem that can attract people to come here to accelerate their vision, get the funding from both private and public sectors to build the Nigeria we really need.

“We can no longer leave our talents as raw material that we are exporting to the world; it is time for us to produce, to turn ideas to products and products to industry.

“This starts with collaboration, not ambition, when government and the private  sector begin to see that we need collaborations in building this future for creation and uplifting people out of poverty,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Joshua Olomu

Nigerian music stars Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, Mercy Chinwo,  Ayra Starr and D’banj have emerged best winners at the 2025 Trace Awards.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 Trace Awards held at the Mora Resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Rema clinched two major awards, winning “Album of the Year” for his hit album ‘Heis’ and the “Best Male Artist”, while sensational gospel artiste Mercy Chinwo took home the “Best Gospel Artist” award.

Grammy-nominated singer Ayra Starr was recognised as the “Best West African Artist”, while D’banj received the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” in recognition of his contributions to Africa’s music industry.

Other Nigerian winners included PPriime, who won ‘Best Producer’ for ‘MMS,’ and Meji Alabi, who earned ‘Best Music Video’ for directing Rema’s ‘DND’.

NAN reports that the Trace Awards, now in its second edition, celebrates Africa’s top artists, and as well spotlights the rich cultural stories that shape their artistry.

The event, also known as Trace Awards & Summit was established in 2023 by Trace Group to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the French pay-TV music video television channel Trace TV.

It is aimed at honouring outstanding achievements in African and Afro-inspired music and culture around the world and is broadcast live on Trace TV and Trace Africa across over 180 countries.

The event is composed of performances from African and Afro-origin artists from around the world, with its first edition held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the BK Arena, in Kigali, Rwanda. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Valentine

By David Adeoye

The Oyo State Government is set to organise the first-ever Ibadan Valentine Cruise on Eleyele Lake on Friday, Feb. 14.

The state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the Valentine Cruise targets the promotion of peace, love, friendship, admiration and tolerance among residents and visitors in the state.

He said the cruise, done in conjunction with Royal Entertainment Cruise, would also promote aquatic tourism, create employment opportunities as well as boost the income and economy of the state.

The commissioner noted that the present administration had succeeded in promoting the atmosphere for tourism to thrive.

He disclosed that the state government had registered 12,128 hospitality outfits for proper monitoring and coordinating of their activities.

Olatunbosun explained that the registered hospitality ventures comprised hotels, nightclubs, event centres, eateries/restaurants and tour operators.

He said the number rose from 1,328 in December 2019 to 12,128 in February 2025.

The commissioner revealed that the rise in the figure was achieved by the conducive and enabling environment created for investors by the Seyi Mankinde-led administration.

Earlier in his address, the Chief Executive Officer, Royal Entertainment Cruise, Dr Sanni Bamidele, said that his company decided to collaborate with the state government to boost tourism.

According to Bamidele, there are various tourist attraction sites in Oyo State, with the state advancing in tourism development.

He commended the efforts of the state government in developing and promoting culture and tourism in the state.

Bamidele assured intending participants of adequate security and the availability of safety equipment during the cruise.

He added that the event would present different positive experiences. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Moses Solanke