Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled “Makemation,” Africa’s first feature film centered on technology and artificial intelligence. The announcement was made on Sunday, March 9, 2025, with the film scheduled to premiere in Nigerian cinemas on April 18, 2025, during the Easter weekend.
Directed by Michael Akinrogunde and produced by human development expert Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, “Makemation” is a coming-of-age drama that follows a young girl from a low-income community in Lagos as she navigates the intersection of human experience and artificial intelligence. The film features an impressive cast, including Nollywood veterans Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed enthusiasm for the landmark production, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the creative industry. He emphasized that Lagos State’s support for such initiatives is part of a broader vision to empower filmmakers and artists while showcasing technology’s immense potential in storytelling. “We have consistently prioritized the growth of our creative industry and believe that fostering creativity and innovation is crucial for our state’s development,” the governor stated.
Producer Akerele-Ogunsiji highlighted that the film delves into critical themes such as STEM education, digital skills, financial literacy, and gender equality. “Makemation showcases AI’s real-world impact. Viewers will see young people designing bras that detect breast cancer. We must move beyond consuming innovation and start building our own,” she stated.
The release of “Makemation” marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian film industry, solidifying Lagos State’s status as a thriving center for technological and artistic innovation. The film is set to premiere in Lagos before expanding to cinemas across Africa, the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East in May.
