Stakeholders from Nigeria’s creative industry have launched a WIPO-supported project to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the African digital market.

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Stakeholders across Nigeria’s creative industry converged at the Bank of Industry Tower in Abuja on Tuesday for the official kick-off meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)-supported project to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the African digital market.

Nigeria is one of only four African countries selected for this flagship initiative, which is aimed at strengthening legislative frameworks, building enforcement capacity, and raising public awareness around digital copyright infringement.

The project, implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), comes at a critical time when Nigeria’s thriving creative industries, particularly Nollywood, face mounting losses due to the proliferation of pirated content across digital platforms, DESMOND UTOMWEN, the Publicity Secretary (FCT) Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria said in a statement.

In his welcome address, Director-General of the NCC, Dr. John O. Asein, described the initiative as a strategic intervention that will reposition Nigeria’s copyright ecosystem in the digital age.

For years, our industry has suffered economic losses, reputational damage, and creative fatigue due to online piracy. This project will equip producers with the legal backing, technical tools, and enforcement partnerships needed to finally push back

He noted that by identifying technical and legal gaps and providing tools to disrupt online piracy, “we are safeguarding the future of the creatives.”

Speaking at the event, Dr. Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director of the WIPO Nigeria Office, emphasised WIPO’s commitment to protecting intellectual property as a key driver of innovation and economic development.

He added that the project reflects WIPO’s deepening collaboration with African countries and shared determination to defend the rights of creators in the digital space.

Representing the Nigerian film industry, National President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, (AMP), Amb Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, praised the initiative as a turning point for Nollywood producers who have long borne the brunt of digital piracy.

“For years, our industry has suffered economic losses, reputational damage, and creative fatigue due to online piracy. This project will equip producers with the legal backing, technical tools, and enforcement partnerships needed to finally push back,” Dr. Ebigieson said.

Dr. Ebigieson also highlighted the importance of sustained advocacy and industry collaboration. “We must ensure that the awareness materials and capacity-building components of this project reach grassroots filmmakers and digital content creators, not just major studios. The strength of Nollywood lies in its diversity and reach.”

The project overview was presented by Dr. Tobias Bednarz of WIPO, while the current state of online copyright infringement in Nigeria was examined by Michael Akpan, an IP expert and the project’s National Consultant.

International Consultant Dr. Ioannis Kikkis also led a session on enforcement mechanisms in the digital environment.

With robust participation from law enforcement agencies, telecommunications firms, legal experts, and creative industry associations, the initiative promises a whole-of-sector response to the menace of online piracy.

May Edochie has declared April 16, 2025, a special day as she celebrates veteran actress Rita Edochie’s birthday with heartfelt wishes

May Edochie, the estranged wife of Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has dedicated April 16, 2025, as a special day to honour veteran actress Rita Edochie, whom she considers her biggest supporter, on the occasion of her birthday.

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With a joyful video, expressing her gratitude to God for the gift of life, her friends for their affection, and her fans for their unwavering support.

Joining in the birthday celebration, May Edochie also took to her Instagram page to shower the celebrant with warm and heartfelt words, accompanied by prayers for her well-being.

Sharing beautiful pictures of Rita Edochie, the mother of three offered prayers for good health, peace, love, and abundant blessings in the new year of her life.

“It is world’s mama Rita’s day! Happy glorious birthday beautiful momma @ritaedochie! May your new year bring new achievements, success stories, joy, and peace. May the good Lord grant your secret heart desires in return for your love and kindness. Good health of mind and body I wish you on this special day. We love you momma,” May Edochie wrote in her celebratory post.

A new wave of Gen Z actors is injecting fresh energy and talent into Nollywood, captivating audiences with their charisma and authentic storytelling

Nollywood is currently experiencing an exhilarating transformation, marked by the emergence of a dynamic cohort of Gen Z Nigerian actors who are not just entering the industry but firmly establishing their presence.

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These young talents are captivating audiences with their inherent charisma, remarkable depth, and an undeniable screen presence that demands attention.

With each new role, they are revitalising Nigerian storytelling, igniting screens and winning hearts across the nation and beyond.

It is indeed the perfect moment to celebrate these luminous new stars who are actively reshaping the narrative of Nollywood. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout faces leading this exciting evolution:

1. Genoveva Umeh: Already a familiar face from her roles in popular productions like ‘Blood Sisters’ and ‘Far from Home,’ this British-Nigerian actress is making a powerful statement that her talent is here for the long haul. Umeh believes in the strength found in vulnerability, a quality she brings to her compelling performances. As she once stated, her aim is “to tell stories that reflect my generation’s reality.”

2. Chimezie Imo:  Standing out amongst the impressive wave of new Nollywood talent is Chimezie Imo. Recognised for his intense portrayal in ‘Shanty Town’ and his deeply moving performance in ‘The Wait,’ Imo has distinguished himself as an actor capable of conveying profound emotion. His on-screen presence is marked by raw intensity and subtle nuance, consistently delivering performances that resonate long after the film concludes.

3. Efe Irele:  This award-winning actress has swiftly captured the affection of numerous Nigerian viewers through her consistently stellar performances. With an undeniable and captivating screen presence, Efe Irele is demonstrating that her momentum in the industry shows no signs of slowing down.

4. Mike Afolarin:  The star of ‘Far From Home’ initially captured hearts with his memorable portrayal of Ishaya and has continued to impress audiences with his recent role in ‘A Lagos Love Story.’ Afolarin effortlessly blends action, romance, and emotional depth in his performances, showcasing his impressive range and leading many to hail him as one of Nollywood’s next leading men. Reflecting on his approach to his craft, the 26-year-old shared, “I want to play roles that reflect who we are as young Nigerians — messy, brave, and trying,” highlighting the authenticity he brings to each character.

5. Tomi Ojo:  At just 23 years old, Tomi Ojo is already breaking boundaries and garnering international recognition across social media and various streaming platforms. With notable roles in ‘Far From Home,’ ‘Leaked,’ and ‘Diiche,’ she has quickly become known for her powerful performances characterised by strength, vulnerability, and raw emotion.

6. Gbubemi Ejeye: This rising Gen Z Nollywood star injects a refreshing playful energy and youthful sass into her roles. Speaking about her burgeoning acting career, Gbubemi once said, “I love telling stories that feel like our real lives, Instagram, heartbreak, everything,” indicating her commitment to portraying relatable, contemporary experiences.

7. Susan Pwajok: At 21, Susan Pwajok is making significant strides in Nollywood, particularly known for her standout roles in popular series such as ‘The Johnsons,’ ‘Shuga Naija,’ and ‘Desperate Housewives Africa.’ Beyond her acting career, Susan also hosts her own talk show, ‘Surviving Lagos,’ where she delves into the lives, identities, and unique experiences of her generation, passionately advocating for their voice and impact. “We’re not just pretty faces on screen, we’re thinkers, creators, and disruptors,” Susan boldly stated, championing the brilliance of her peers.

8. Emeka Nwagbaraocha:  A two-time Future Awards nominee, Emeka Nwagbaraocha is a dynamic young force in Nollywood, celebrated for his grounded and natural acting style. Known for his compelling performances in ‘Far From Home’ and the recent ‘Finding Me,’ he resonates deeply with Gen Z audiences, forging a strong connection both on and off-screen. Driven, authentic, and effortlessly relatable, Emeka is undoubtedly a key voice shaping the future direction of Nollywood.

9. Pearl Shim Mugalla: Having gracefully transitioned from a child actress, the 20-year-old Pearl Shim is now recognised as one of Nollywood’s most compelling young talents. With an expanding repertoire that includes powerful performances and socially conscious roles, such as her notable appearance in ‘Almajiri,’ she is proving that youth is no barrier to impactful storytelling on screen. Reflecting on her journey and the significance of her recent roles, Pearl affirms, “I’m proof that young girls in Nollywood don’t have to wait—we can lead now.”

The increasing prominence of streaming platforms has provided these emerging actors with a global stage to showcase their talent.

In 2022 alone, over 50 Nigerian films found their way onto Netflix, offering these rising Nollywood stars unprecedented international exposure.

However, this exciting shift in Nollywood is not solely about the emergence of new faces. There is a noticeable evolution in the stories being told, with Gen Z actors actively contributing to narratives that resonate with their generation.

From exploring themes of mental health and coming-of-age experiences to delving into supernatural thrillers, these stories feel authentic, relevant, and deeply real.

The Gen Z faces of Nollywood are not simply acting; they are cultivating dedicated fandoms and spearheading a cultural movement, signalling a bright and dynamic future for the Nigerian film industry.