Wumi Toriola Nollywood event highlights challenges, growth, and professionalism as female practitioners reshape Nigeria’s film industry

Actress and producer Wumi Toriola has convened a landmark colloquium and end-of-year soirée themed “Future of Nollywood: Challenges and Progress,” held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

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The event, dubbed “The Genesis 1.0,” brought together a cross-section of Nigerian film stakeholders to discuss standards, professionalism, and the future of the industry.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Mojisola Bimbo-Manuel urged filmmakers to take responsibility for shaping Nollywood’s trajectory.

She highlighted the influence of actors on younger generations and stressed the need for higher professional benchmarks to attract serious investment.

“People will put good money into filmmaking, but the only way to access that investment is to bring out good products,” Bimbo-Manuel said.

A financial expert, Akorede Idowu, advised practitioners to prioritise financial planning, including savings, investments, diversified income, and compliance with relevant tax laws.

He emphasised that the dynamic nature of the film industry requires foresight and disciplined management.

Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Bukola Agbaminoja, pledged continued government support for the sector.

She highlighted grants provided to filmmakers and noted that international productions are increasingly drawn to Nigeria due to the talent and quality of local creatives.

As host, Toriola encouraged her colleagues to operate with integrity. “Character is different from integrity,” she said.

“People judge me by how I shout in movies, but you will never hear that I got paid and failed to do my job. We must ensure we operate with integrity in everything we do.”

The event attracted notable industry figures, including Yewande Adekoya, Dolapo Oni, Bimbo Aiyeola, Regina Chukwu, Adediwura BlarkGold, Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje), Omowunmi Ajiboye, Idris Aregbe, and Opeyemi Ajayi, Managing Director of Cinemax.

The colloquium coincides with Toriola’s launch of her YouTube channel, wumitoriolatv, and the recent success of her co-produced film, Gingerrr, at Nigerian cinemas.

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Toriola’s initiative underscores the growing influence of female practitioners in Nollywood, highlighting their leadership in shaping the industry’s creative and professional standards while fostering sustainable growth.