Entertainment
Niyi Akinmolayan’s 2025 Vision: Building Nollywood’s strongest workforce yet

Renowned Nollywood filmmaker and founder of Anthill Studios, Niyi Akinmolayan, has outlined his ambitious plans for 2025; one that prioritizes workforce development and the structural growth of the Nigerian film industry.
In a recent report by Nollywire, Akinmolayan emphasized the urgent need to reshape Nollywood’s backbone: its crew and professionals.
For Niyi Akinmolayan, one of Nollywood’s most forward-thinking filmmakers and the founder of Anthill Studios, 2025 is more than just another year; it’s a mission. His focus? Strengthening the backbone of the Nigerian film industry: its workforce.
A pivotal year for Anthill Studios
Coming off a dynamic 2024 filled with solo and collaborative productions, Anthill Studios has made its mark with standout projects. The studio’s two major releases saw Hey You director Uyoyou Adia helm Casa de Novia, starring Anee Icha and Taye Arimoro, while Dolapo Adigun made her cinematic directorial debut with Criminal.
Beyond its in-house projects, Anthill’s co-productions were among the year’s biggest successes. Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju); a collaboration with Eniola Ajao’s Lighthouse Pictures and Filmone Studios; became the fourth highest-grossing Nigerian film, raking in ₦252.8 million.
Meanwhile, Lisabi: The Uprising, the first instalment of a two-part historical epic produced alongside Lateef Adedimeji’s Al Notion Studios, emerged as Netflix Nigeria’s second most-watched title of 2024.
READ ALSO: Vibes, Marvel & Jollof: A look inside Filmhouse After Dark’s exclusive ‘Captain America’ Screening
The industry’s workforce crisis & the Netflix effect
Despite Nollywood’s rapid growth, it continues to grapple with a critical issue; a shortage of skilled crew members and industry professionals.
This problem is further compounded by the growing frustration of diaspora investors who lose money to questionable “producers” and inexperienced film crews.
Adding to the uncertainty was Netflix’s rumoured quiet exit from Nigeria, which was later debunked by the streaming platform.

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Reflecting on the industry’s lessons from 2024, Akinmolayan emphasized the need for self-sufficiency.
“I think the biggest lesson from 2024 would be that we need to be in control of our own destiny, especially in terms of distribution. We cannot just leave everything to our saviours from Silicon Valley. We need to be strategic about what we do for both Nigerian and international audiences.”
Building the Future: Connecting filmmakers with skilled crew
Anthill Studios is taking an active role in reshaping Nollywood’s workforce. Known for its commitment to training and upskilling, the studio plans to revive its in-house training programs in 2025. Previous initiatives, such as its post-production training and the free three-month director internship in 2023, have helped launch the careers of rising filmmakers like Barnabas Emordi, Dolapo Adigun, and Akhigbe “Akay Mason” Ilozobhie.
But Akinmolayan’s ambitions go beyond training. In 2025, Anthill Studios is partnering with a tech company to launch a new platform that connects filmmakers with vetted, skilled crew members.
“We believe that if we can strengthen and grow the talent pool of crew members and filmmakers, it will lead to better films and an expanded industry,” he shared.
This platform will serve as a curated directory of top industry professionals, ensuring that filmmakers have access to reliable talent; a crucial step toward raising the industry’s professional standards.
Anthill’s 2025 roadmap: Expansion, partnerships & family content
Beyond workforce development, Akinmolayan’s 2025 plans include:
Ensuring a successful year for Anthill Family, the studio’s newly launched family-focused division.
Strengthening partnerships with distributors, exhibitors, and brands, including another collaboration with Eniola Ajao and Filmone Studios.
Exploring new story ideas and expanding the studio’s storytelling range.
Expanding operations beyond Nigeria, pushing Nollywood’s presence on the global stage.
Unlike many production companies that work on a project-by-project basis, Anthill Studios employs a significant number of full-time staff.
This structure enables the studio to focus on long-term growth and maintain consistent quality; an approach that sets it apart in Nollywood’s fast-paced ecosystem.
Akinmolayan’s vision for Nollywood isn’t just about making great films; it’s about creating an industry that can compete globally, both in storytelling and technical execution.
With a growing workforce, a commitment to skill-building, and a drive to elevate family content, Anthill Studios is setting the stage for a stronger, more sustainable Nollywood.
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Entertainment
Timini Egbuson’s ‘Reel Love’ dominates Nollywood box office for five consecutive weeks with ₦303 million

Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Timini Egbuson’s cinematic debut, Reel Love has continued to dominate the Nigerian box office grossing over ₦300 million.
Nollywood has been taken by storm, and Reel Love is leading the charge! The romantic drama has officially grossed a staggering ₦303 million, holding the title of the highest-grossing Nollywood film for five consecutive weeks.
In an Instagram post by the film distributor, FilmOne, the film is going strong.
“₦303M and still going strong! Reel Love is the highest-grossing Nollywood title for 5 weeks in a row! Thank you for the love and support! Still showing in cinemas—don’t miss out! Distributed by @filmoneng,” the post said.
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Entertainment
Public figures who have reacted to NYSC member's viral hardship outcry

The controversy surrounding National Youth Service Corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, has sparked reactions from prominent Nigerian figures. Raye faced threats from NYSC officials after she criticised the government, igniting discussions on free speech and citizens’ rights in a democracy.
Her posts and how her supervisors subsequently handled the situation have sparked nationwide outrage, with many weighing in on the oppression of human rights. National leaders and prominent figures have also spoken up in the wake of the issue.
🚨BREAKING NEWS
Raye is now being threatened by NYSC representatives for making this video criticizing the government.
Listen to her… pic.twitter.com/H85beBsqKD
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) March 15, 2025
Peter Obi
The former presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned the intimidation of Raye, shaming how she was met with intimidation rather than dialogue.
Taking to X, he wrote in part, “The National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, recently had an experience that highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.”
Reports indicate that she has faced threats from NYSC officials simply for expressing her concerns about the current administration. This pattern is not isolated. I, too, have been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments. I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies. Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy.
The National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, recently had an experience that highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.
Reports indicate that she has…
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) March 16, 2025
ALSO READ: Sowore storms NYSC office with embattled corper who criticised Tinubu
Atiku Abubakar
Atiku praised Raye’s courage, likening her to historic female activists such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Margaret Ekpo.
Nigerian Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere. I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.
She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and countless other women who have stood resolute in defense of the common good. Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future. -AA
Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere.
I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.…
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) March 16, 2025
Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour
The Labour Party chieftain described the situation as an attack on democracy and the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
Raye is all of us, and any attempt to oppress and silence her is a direct assault on citizens liberty. We run a constitutional democracy and not a monarchy where the people are subjects to a king. Hence, citizens have a moral and constitutional right to dissenting views and opinions. Our youths are in pain, suffering great deprivation because a corrupt and incompetent political class has stolen their future. But it doesn’t end with them inflicting pain and hardship, they still want to determine how you react to their oppression.
Raye is all of us, and any attempt to oppress and silence her is a direct assault on citizens liberty.
We run a constitutional democracy and not a monarchy where the people are subjects to a king. Hence, citizens have a moral and constitutional right to dissenting views and… https://t.co/BzS1xzrNnu
— Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (@GRVlagos) March 16, 2025
Omoyele Sowore
Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore confirmed that legal steps were being taken to support Raye.
The journey with youth Corper, Ushie Rita uguamaye, has commenced in Lagos. She is scheduled to appear before the LGI today and we will escort her to their offices. We are all en route with attorneys. @mrfestusogun, @yinka_oyesomi and @justiceojienoh pic.twitter.com/DtYwRVMcxz
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) March 17, 2025
The journey with youth Corper, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, has commenced in Lagos. She is scheduled to appear before the LGI today and we will escort her to their offices. We are all en route with attorneys.
Ben Murray Bruce
In contrast, former senator Ben Murray-Bruce had a different perspective, calling for an end to online criticisms of the government.

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Those of you on social media, stop criticising Nigeria, stop criticising leaders. We need a break, okay? Stop criticizing us, give us a break. Stop criticising our leaders.
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Entertainment
Timi Dakolo reacts to Apostle Lazaurs' comments about gospel singers charging for appearances

Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has responded to comments made by Apostle Lazarus, who criticised gospel artists for charging fees to perform at church events.
The pastor suggested that ministry should not be commercialised highlighting a time a singer charged 5 million to come and sing for his congregation. His statement sparked debate and reactions within the gospel and gospel music community.
I really wish every music minister in Nigeria & beyond could sit down & take time to listen to this
This is a most profound & timely message to them.
Thank you @FemiLazarus_ for this sir 🙏 pic.twitter.com/IPPsu1MWoH
— DON “Tobechukwu” Ade 👑 (@Row_Haastrup) March 14, 2025
In a detailed post, Dakolo defended gospel musicians, highlighting the financial investment required to sustain their craft. He urged Christians to recognise that, beyond its spiritual significance, music is also a profession that demands compensation.
My dear Christains, a quote/comversation can sound intelligent and deep yet untrue. Just like everyone else. You deserve the very best things life has to offer. You should be paid what you deserve. Studio session, production and promotion cost a lot. You have a family to feed, you have rent to pay.
You have more songs to put out. We should stop all these attack on people’s work. As much as it is spiritual, music is an art. If you can’t pay people, Use your choir members and pay the amount you could have given the guest artist. I doubt the second part.
The singer also pointed out that churches spend substantial amounts on architecture, event promotions, and pastoral engagements, questioning why musicians are often expected to offer their services for free.
This gaslighting has to stop, Gospel ministers want good things too, they are not beggars, the best of architects are called upon to build big church, large sum money disbursed for promoting big programs and all. No one should diminish another persons ministry, Ministry needs music and music needs ministry.
It takes at least 10years and chains of hours to be an elite musician. Develop your Musicians and singers in your church and pay them well. Leave all these belittling alone None of these people saying these will fly economy and travel alone to save money for the ministry that invites to preach. All this was said in love.
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