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Addressing Gender-Based Violence Through Nollywood: 4 Films That Shine a Light

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Like other film industries, Nollywood has consistently served as a voice and catalyst for societal change. By addressing social issues, whether explicitly or implicitly, Nollywood has proven to be a powerful medium for speaking important conversations and inspiring change.

This month began on a traffic note for women in Nigeria, following the shocking abduction and murder of Christianah Idowu, a University undergraduate. On September 4, 2024, the news of her kidnapping, murder, and burial in a shallow grave by the 23-year-old Ayomide Adeleye flooded the internet. Soon after another case surfaced, the death of 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who was set ablaze by her partner.

These tragedies remind Nigerians of similar cases, such as Ini Umoren, the job seeker kidnapped and killed in 2023 by Uduak Akpan a male University student, Deborah Yakubu, who was mobbed by Islamic fanatics in Sokoto in 2020, Augusta Osedion whose male lover was murdered, Best Nnanyereugo, also known as “Kilaboi, Justina Otuene who was murdered by her boyfriend, Damian Okoligwe, prominent gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu who died in a hospital in Abuja after she was allegedly beaten and kicked in the chest by her husband and manager, Peter Nwachukwu, Vera Uwaila ‘Uwa’ Omozuwa, a 20-year-old student at the University of Benin was raped and killed in a Church in Edo state, Bakarat Bello who was discovered raped and stabbed to death, her body laying lifeless behind her parents’ home in Ibadan, and Bamise Ayanwola, a tailor in Lagos was allegedly raped and murdered in by a bus driver Andrew Omonikoron, whose vehicle she had boarded on her way to visit family. The list goes on.

Despite growing awareness and advocacy, online conversations about these killings often veer toward victim-blaming, while excusing or justifying the actions of the perpetrators. In a country where femicide is on the rise, it’s crucial to continue addressing these issues head-on.


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However, beyond its entertainment value, Nollywood has become a powerful tool for social commentary, addressing pressing issues affecting millions of Nigerians. Through compelling narratives and strong performances, filmmakers are contributing to the ongoing discourse on gender equality and women’s rights.

Here are four Nollywood films that effectively highlight the harsh realities of gender-based violence, each offering a unique perspective on the struggle for justice and change.

Directed by Stephanie Okereke-Linus this 2014 drama is based on true-life accounts, focusing on the impacts of child marriage. The film centers on the story of a 13-year-old girl, Halima, whose poor uneducated parents marry her off to Sani, a 60-year-old man who frequently rapes her in the “marriage.” Halima becomes pregnant and suffers Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) after child delivery. She begins to experience involuntary urination causing her to smell, and consequently, abandoned by her husband and discriminated against in her community. Zara, a medical doctor with a similar traumatic childhood, meets Halima and tries to help her and other young women and girls facing similar experiences.

The film stars Zubaida Ibrahim Fagge, Stephanie Okereke, Liz Benson, William McNamara, Darwin Shaw, Paul Sambo, Olu Jacobs, Rahama Hassan, Hauwa Maina, Rekiya Ibrahim, Hakeem Hassan, Tijjani Faraga, Klint da Drunk, and Vineeta Pathak

The movie was set in pre-Nigerian independence. When the country is about to gain its independence, many women are found murdered. A detective is assigned the responsibility to catch the murderer before Independence Day The film’s theme focuses on unraveling the story of the rapes and murders of women in Akote Town, in Ibadan, perpetrated by the only son of the Oba of Akote Town. The movie further explores the story of the prince, who himself was subject to sexual abuse at school, while highlighting the perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly those in positions of power and authority, walking away unpunished.

Written by Tunde Babalola, the film stars Sadiq Daba, Kayode Aderupoko, Demola Adedoyin, Kehinde Bankole, Kunle Afolayan, Fabian Adeoye Lojede, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Ibrahim Chatta, Bimbo Manuel, Femi Adebayo, Abiodun Aleja, Nick Rhys, Deola Sagoe, David Bailie, Colin David Reese, Lawrence Stubbings, Ifayemi Elebuibon, and Meg Otanwa

This film tells the story of 3 three women living in the same compound, experiencing different forms of assault from the men around them.

24-year-old Rolake Dabiri, who is amongst these women decides enough is enough as she speaks up and revolts against these men. These women are played by Damilare Kuku (Rolake), Toyin Abraham (Mama Olisa), and Sandra Okunzuwa (Ada Olisa). This film directed by Biodun Stephen sheds light on sexual abuse and violence against women to educate the public on its dangers and to encourage society to report perpetrators of the crime.

Other casts members are Jide Kosoko, Zubby Micheal, Deyemi Okolawon, Kachi Nnochiri, Kiki Omeili, Imoh Eboh, Etinosa Idemudia, Angel Unigwe, Eso Dike, Babarex, and Nini Mbonu.

Produced by Desmond Ebuwa Ekunwe and Fisayo Ojabodu this short film follows a prolific figure, Azeezah Sama. Despite being loved by the public, she endures severe abuse from her controlling partner. He interrupts an important interview where she consequently has to put up a performance to cover up her situation. Available on Youtube and Directed by Tochi Onwubiko and Orobosa Ikponmwen, the film stars Nonso Ekemezie, Isoken Aruede, Bobby Ekpe, and Tomisin Osinubi.


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Entertainment

Sanwo-Olu declares Lagos State's readiness to host AFRIMA

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Sanwo-Olu made the declaration when he received a high-powered delegation from the African Union and the AFRIMA International Committee in his office on Tuesday.

The governor said Lagos is more than prepared to roll out the red carpet for the rest of Africa in a demonstration of the state’s status as the creative and cultural capital of Africa.

He added that Lagos’ acceptance to host AFRIMA 2025 aligns perfectly with his administration’s vision to make the creative and tourism industry a major pillar of the state’s development drive.

“We are happy to receive the AFRIMA team; we will do it, and we will be part of this, this is one initiative we are proud to accommodate. Our team will work together with your team to action this. We thank the African Union and the AFRIMA Committee for trusting Lagos.”

Mike Dada, AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for the state’s investment in the creative industry, stating that AFRIMA is positioned to create big opportunities for tourism, entertainment, jobs, and the economy for the host city.

Dada said, “Your Excellency, under your leadership, Lagos has made great progress in the creative industry. You’ve been a strong supporter and a true promoter of talent and fresh ideas. Whether it’s film, fashion, music, or technology, your efforts have helped make Lagos stand out as Africa’s creative capital. We at AFRIMA truly appreciate your support, and we believe Lagos is more than ready to host an unforgettable AFRIMA 2025.”

Dada emphasised that since AFRIMA was launched in 2014, it has been hosted in Nigeria, with Lagos being the host city, Ghana, and Senegal, with road shows in over 22 countries around the world.

He also shared the organisation’s commitment to celebrating and uniting Africa through music.

According to him, AFRIMA is not just about music, it resonates with real human stories by providing a platform for talent discovery, career turn-around, and an avenue for reshaping the global narrative about Africa.


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The African Union and AFRIMA International Committee will on May 13 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia officially announce and present the certificate to the host of the 2025 AFRIMA.


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Kaestyle marks Headies outing with new EP 'Rookies Don't Sound This Good'

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Following his outing at the recently held 17th Headies, where he was nominated for the Rookie of the Year prize, rising Afrobeats star Kaestyle has released a new EP.

The three-track EP, ‘Rookie’s Don’t Sound This Good,’ comes after he failed to pick up the prize.

Undaunted, Kaestyle’s new EP speaks to his mindset as a vast star, combining genres with a rich infusion of his cultural influences to create an exciting sound winning him mainstream attention.

With ‘Rookies don’t sound this good,’ Kaestyle confidently states that artistry surpasses the Rookie tag as he delivered records only a well-rounded star can deliver.

The three-track project kicks off with ‘Chineke,’ a breezy opener featuring emerging talent Starsamm, where Kaestyle playfully confesses how overwhelmed he is by his love interest, so much so that only God (Chineke) can save him.

The energy carries into ‘How Much,’ where he shows emotional honesty by sharing the blurred lines between desire, temptation, and affection over party-starting production that showcases his hitmaking credentials.

The project closes with ‘a.o.m.g (Ahead of My Game),’ on which he reflects on his rise from modest beginnings, declaring his growth and sense of purpose with lyrical sharpness and calm confidence.

The EP is Kaestyle’s way of making it clear that he’s not just here to participate, but instead to dominate as he possesses the artistry to command attention and wow listeners.

Kaestyle reacted to the Headies loss by congratulating the winner and making it clear that his hit collaboration with label mate and Afrobeats superstar Omah Lay deserved a nod for Best Collaboration.


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READ ALSO: What The Headies Must Do To Regain Its Status As A Prestigious Award

Listed by Apple Music as one of the stars to look out for in 2025, Kaestyle is putting the Headies episode behind him as he remains focused on carving a niche for himself.


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Portable found guilty on two counts of assault, pays ₦30,000 fine

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Highly controversial street-hop singer Portable has successfully evaded jail time after paying the ₦30,000 fine prescribed by the court for a case of assault from 2022.

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, a court sitting in Ifo, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, sentenced Portable to three months’ imprisonment for assault, with an option of a ₦30,000 fine.

According to the prosecutor for the police, Inspector Olumide Awoleke, the singer committed the offence on November 18, 2022, specifically in Okeosa, Ilogbo, within the Ifo Magisterial District.

The charge sheet read: “That you, Badmus Habeeb Okikiola a.k.a. Portable, and others now at large, on the 18th day of November 2022 at 11:00 hrs in Okeosa, Ilogbo, within the Ifo Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: assault, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.”

That you, Habeeb Okikiola Olalomi, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned district, did unlawfully assault one Osimosu Emmanuel Oluwafemi, by beating him all over his body, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.

He was promptly found guilty of both charges levied against him and was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with an option of a ₦10,000 fine on count one and two months’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦20,000 fine on count two. The singer then opted to pay both fines, amounting to ₦30,000 in total. 

ALSO READ: Portable’s case adjourned to March 26 for charges to be merged and substituted


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