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Nollywood’s Defining Voices of 2025: Celebrating the Writers Whose Stories Reshaped the Box Office

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Nollywood’s Defining Voices of 2025: Celebrating the Writers Whose Stories Reshaped the Box Office

 

Nollywood’s Leading Storytellers of 2025

Stories shape how we understand the world, and in 2025, a remarkable group of writers carried Nollywood to new heights. Their work drew record audiences, set new box-office standards, and affirmed the central role of strong writing in the growth of the Nigerian film industry. The Nollywood Top 10 Writers 2025 list highlights the individuals whose scripts powered the year’s most successful films, each title earning more than twenty million naira and demonstrating the expanding potential of well-crafted storytelling.

At the forefront are Funke Akindele, Collins Okoh, and Uche Mordi, who share the top position following the extraordinary success of Behind the Scenes. The film closed the year with a combined box-office total of 1.320 billion naira, a figure that underscores the effectiveness of their collaboration and their command of character-driven drama.

Second place goes to Opeyemi Akinyemi (Ope Crodbo), whose work on Ori: The Rebirth, Abanise, The Ancestor, and Her Excellency generated significant attention and produced a cumulative return of 709 million naira. His range across supernatural themes and political drama set him apart in a competitive field.

In third place is Xavier Ighorodje, whose screenplay for Gingerrr resonated with younger audiences and delivered 522 million naira at the box office. His ability to merge energy, humour, and realism placed him firmly among the year’s standout writers.

The list also honours seasoned creators such as Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi and Tunde Komolafe, joint fourth place recipients for Oversabi Aunty, which closed at 480 million naira. Their work demonstrated a strong command of social comedy and audience-friendly storytelling.

Fifth place is held by Adebayo Tijani, whose film Iyalode: Her Excellency earned 432 million naira and presented a layered portrayal of authority, culture, and gender.

In sixth place, Afeez Adekunle received recognition for Ori: The Rebirth, which grossed 419 million naira and continued the industry’s growing interest in mythological narratives.

Seventh place goes to Ife Olujuyigbe, whose film Reel Love achieved 356 million naira and strengthened the appeal of contemporary romance on the big screen.

Eighth place belongs to Yinka Layole, whose contribution to Iyalode brought in 306 million naira.

Ninth place is shared by Moshood Yakub Olawale and Sunday Alabi Osibata, writers of Labake Olododo, which earned 264 million naira.

Finally, in tenth place, Jack Opukeme and Stephen Oluboyo round out the list with Owanbe Thieves, which recorded 205 million naira.

The ranking, compiled using Comscore data, reflects a year marked by diverse genres and fresh approaches to storytelling. From comedy to historical drama, and from romance to folklore, the writers on this list shaped the nation’s cinematic landscape with skill and imagination.

Their achievements will be examined in greater depth in the upcoming Nigerian Box Office Yearbook 2025/26, which will offer an expanded review of the films, creators, and industry trends that defined the year.

Alaaafin Oyo Counters Governor Seyi Makinde

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Alaaafin Oyo Counters Governor Seyi Makinde

HIM Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I , Alaafin of Oyo COUNTERS GOV Seyi Makinde

PRESS RELEASE (15/1/ 2026).

The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to a statement credited to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde that he consulted with the three traditional rulers in the State, the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun of Ogbomoso on the rotational Chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

The Palace hereby wants to state clearly that there was no time that His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo , Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, held any meeting with either the State Governor or any of the two traditional rulers mentioned above.

Also the Alaafin did not tell the Governor or make a categorical statement on his endorsement of rotational Chairmanship among the the three traditional rulers in the State.

The position of the Alaafin and the Entire Oyo Community on the general issue of the,State, Council of Obas,and Chiefs has been enunciated in a Memo delivered to His Excellency by the Oyo Council of Elders.

Signed Bode Durojaiye,
Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland.

Ayo Adams’ Short Film, Ni Ibadan, Explores the Struggle for Water in Rural-Urban Communities

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Ayo Adams’ Short Film, Ni Ibadan, Explores the Struggle for Water in Rural-Urban Communities

In many rural-urban communities across Nigeria, access to water remains a daily struggle rather than a guaranteed necessity. This reality forms the heart of a new short film by filmmaker and multimedia journalist Ayo Adams, released on YouTube, on Wednesday.

The short film explores how water scarcity quietly shapes everyday life, revealing the physical and emotional labour involved in securing a basic resource often taken for granted. Through intimate, observational storytelling, the film centers the lived experiences of ordinary people, allowing the issue to unfold through routine, endurance, and silence rather than exposition.

Set within an Ibadan community, the film reflects on the intersection of infrastructure, family life, and survival. The film stars Omolola Lawal and Abayomi Olalekan.

Speaking on the project, Ayo Adams explains that the film was inspired by familiar realities. The work aims to draw attention to how communities continue to adapt in the face of infrastructural challenges.

The short film is now available to stream on YouTube.

EFCC Hands over Recovered N802.4m to First Bank

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EFCC Hands over Recovered N802.4m to First Bank

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Monday, January 12, 2026 handed over the sum of N802,420,000( Eight Hundred and Two Million, Four Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira only) to First Bank Nigeria Plc. The money was recovered from a suspect, Ojo Eghosa Kingsley who took unlawful possession of over N1.3 billion belonging to the bank.

 

The bank, in its petition to the EFCC, had alleged that system glitches led it to erroneously credit the account of Kingsley, a customer of the bank with the said amount. The Commission in its investigation discovered that the suspect, upon the receipt of the money, transferred a good measure of it to the bank accounts of his mother, Itohan Ojo and that of his sister, Edith Okoro Osaretin, and committed part of the money to completion of his building project and the funding of a new flamboyant lifestyle.

With the recovery of the money from the identified bank accounts, the EFCC handed it over in drafts to First Bank.

 

The Acting Director, Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, while handing over the money, stated that the EFCC will continue to discharge its mandate effectively in the overall interests of the society. “The EFCC Establishment Act empowers us to trace and recover proceeds of crime and restitute the victim. In this case, First Bank was the victim and that is exactly what we have done. We will continue to discharge our duties to ensure that fraudsters do not benefit from fraud and that economic and financial crimes are nipped in the bud,” he said.

In his response, Olalere Sunday Ajayi, Business Manager, First Bank, Benin, who received the drafts on behalf of the bank, commended the EFCC for the swiftness and the professionalism it brought to bear in the handling of the matter and expressed the bank’s gratitude to the Commission. He described the EFCC as one of Nigeria’s most effective and reliable institutions.

Kingsley and all other suspects in the matter have been charged to court for stealing by the EFCC.

Olamide Olowe: A New Standard-Bearer in Global Beauty Innovation

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Olamide Olowe: A New Standard-Bearer in Global Beauty Innovation

Olamide Olowe, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur, has reached a remarkable milestone in the global business landscape as the youngest Black woman to secure more than 10 million dollars in venture funding. Her achievement reflects a blend of scientific curiosity, cultural awareness, and disciplined leadership that continues to shape her growing influence in the skincare industry.

 

She co-founded Topicals in 2020 with a clear mission: to develop research-driven products for chronic skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, eczema, and irritation, while ensuring that people of all skin tones were fully represented in both formulation and branding. Her approach drew attention at a time when consumers were demanding greater accuracy, transparency, and inclusivity from beauty companies.

Topicals entered the market with a focus on measurable results rather than marketing trends. This commitment, supported by dermatological research and clinical testing, quickly established the brand as a standout in a competitive field. Within a short period, Topicals became one of the fastest-growing skincare lines at Sephora, earning a loyal customer base and widespread industry recognition.

 

Olamide’s work demonstrates the value of building companies that serve communities often overlooked by traditional beauty standards. Her rise also shows how founders who understand both cultural context and scientific rigour can redefine entire categories. Investors and industry leaders have pointed to her combination of discipline, purpose, and strategic execution as the foundation of her success.

 

Beyond the commercial growth of Topicals, Olamide’s story carries wider significance. It underscores the expanding influence of young African and diaspora innovators who are reshaping global consumer markets through thoughtful problem-solving and representation. Her journey continues to inspire a new generation of founders who see possibility where others once saw limits.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Initiates Legal Proceedings Following the Passing of Her Son

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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Initiates Legal Proceedings Following the Passing of Her Son

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, one of Africa’s most widely read contemporary authors, has begun legal action against a private medical facility after the death of her son. Her claim centres on allegations of medical negligence and professional misconduct involving the hospital and members of its clinical team.

 

According to a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, Adichie and her partner, Dr. Ivara Esege, contend that the hospital, its anaesthesiologist, and other attending clinicians did not meet the standard of care required during their son’s treatment. Their son, Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, passed away in the early hours of January 7, 2026.

 

The notice outlines concerns about the decisions made during his medical care and asserts that the actions and omissions of the professionals involved contributed to the outcome. The family’s legal representatives have requested full disclosure of the medical records and a formal response from the hospital, signalling the start of a process that may lead to broader scrutiny of clinical protocols and oversight within private healthcare institutions.

 

The case has drawn public attention due to Adichie’s global profile and her longstanding engagement with issues of accountability and public welfare. It also raises questions about standards of practice, patient safety, and institutional responsibility in high-level medical settings.

 

Further developments are expected as the hospital prepares its formal defence and the matter moves into the next phase of legal review.

AFRIMA Awards: Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness Receives Album of the Year Honour

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AFRIMA Awards: Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness Receives Album of the Year Honour

Burna Boy has added another distinction to his growing list of achievements as his recent project, No Sign of Weakness, earned the Album of the Year award at the AFRIMA ceremony. The recognition places the work alongside the continent’s most celebrated releases and affirms Burna Boy’s continued influence on the global music stage.

 

The album has been noted for its careful production, thematic coherence, and distinct blend of contemporary African sound with broader international styles. Critics and listeners have pointed to its range, emotional depth, and the artist’s command of rhythm and storytelling as reasons for its strong reception.

AFRIMA’s acknowledgement underscores the project’s cultural reach and its resonance across audiences within and beyond Africa. It also reinforces Burna Boy’s standing as one of the continent’s most accomplished musicians, with a catalogue that continues to shape conversations about artistic identity, innovation, and global recognition in African music.

 

The award marks a significant moment in this year’s ceremony and adds to the momentum of an album that has already secured wide commercial and critical attention.

Funke Akindele Sets a New Benchmark as ‘Behind The Scenes’ Surpasses ₦2 Billion in Box Office Earnings

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Funke Akindele Sets a New Benchmark as ‘Behind The Scenes’ Surpasses ₦2 Billion in Box Office Earnings

Funke Akindele has reached a landmark moment in African cinema with her latest film, Behind The Scenes, crossing the ₦2 billion revenue mark. This achievement positions her as the highest-grossing filmmaker on the continent and strengthens her reputation as one of the most consistent creative forces in Nollywood.

 

The film’s performance reflects a growing confidence in audience-driven storytelling and a production style that balances commercial appeal with disciplined execution. Industry observers note that the project has drawn viewers across multiple regions and demonstrated the expanding reach of Nigerian cinema within Africa’s wider cultural economy.

Akindele’s work often combines character-driven narratives with an understanding of everyday human experiences. Behind The Scenes continues in that tradition, offering a storyline that resonated with diverse audiences and sustained strong turnout weeks after its release. The film’s commercial success also highlights the increasing viability of large-scale film projects in Nigeria, supported by stronger distribution networks and rising audience engagement.

 

Her ascent to the top of African box office rankings carries broader significance for the industry. It signals the growing influence of female filmmakers in key creative and financial roles, and it reaffirms Nollywood’s capacity to produce record-setting titles that command continental attention.

 

The project’s box office performance is expected to prompt further discussion about investment, production standards, and long-term opportunities for African filmmakers as the industry continues to expand.

THE AGE OF EMPIRES IS BACK AND NIGERIA IS SLEEPING ON THE HIGHWAY.

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THE AGE OF EMPIRES IS BACK AND NIGERIA IS SLEEPING ON THE HIGHWAY.

The world just changed on January seven. America did not simply withdraw from sixty six global bodies for administrative convenience. It formally declared that the liberal world order is dead and that it will not submit to any institution it does not control. That was the announcement. Quiet. Clinical. Brutal.

 

For eighty years the United States pretended to be the referee of the world. Now it wants to be a player again. And players do not obey referees. They break bones and chase trophies. That is why the military budget has exploded. That is why intelligence has been privatized. That is why immigration has been militarized. These are not reforms. These are war preparations.

 

People who keep asking if Trump will go to war do not understand. The war already started. It is a resource war, a currency war, a supply chain war, a sanctions war and a technology war. Guns come later. Drones come later. Marines come later. First you strangle. Then you isolate. Then you break the most stubborn opponent as an example. That opponent is no longer Iraq or Syria. It is Venezuela. And after Venezuela the line of sight goes to Africa.

 

BRICS is not a debate club. It is a survival shelter. It is a plan B for nations that refuse to be vassals in a unipolar world. China is building parallel financial rails. Russia is building parallel energy corridors. Iran is building parallel deterrence networks. Brazil is building parallel commodity alliances. India is hedging to avoid being trapped. It is the reconstruction of world order without American permission.

 

Now switch to Nigeria.

 

Nigeria still thinks the world is run by ECOWAS meetings, donor conferences, Commonwealth greetings and Western diplomatic grammar. Meanwhile the world has already entered a bunker. The main currencies are oil, gas, lithium, ports, minerals, population, and shipping lanes. Nigeria has all of them in embarrassing surplus but behaves as if it has none of them at all.

 

The tragedy is that Nigeria is not just unprepared. It is unguarded. Corruption at the center. State capture by oligarchs. Compromised elections. Courts that kiss power. Governors who steal. Senators who sleep. A political class that does not understand the century it is living in. A security architecture built for internal intimidation, not external deterrence. A foreign policy that has no doctrine, no direction, and no purpose beyond photo ops and begging bowls.

 

In this new era Nigeria is not a spectator. It is a prize.

 

If America believes Nigeria is drifting toward BRICS it will intervene to pull it back into orbit. That is how empire works. Not through tweets but through sanctions, intelligence operations, narrative war, currency sabotage, elite capture and controlled chaos. If China believes Nigeria is still under Western influence it will accelerate belt and road projects, mining rights and strategic port access to lock in advantage. Russia will offer security partnerships. Europe will panic over LNG and minerals and suddenly discover humanitarian language. Each will bid for influence. Not because they love Nigeria. Because Nigeria is too important to be left unclaimed.

 

Meanwhile the Nigerian political elite is busy with tribal banter, zoning quarrels, gossip, defections, ego, and small hustles. It is like watching a family fight over inheritance while the house is on fire and a bulldozer is already warming outside.

 

And here is the final provocation. The 2027 elections will not be a domestic affair. They will be the first openly geopolitical election in our history. Washington, Beijing, Moscow, Brussels, Riyadh, and even BRICS capitals will watch closely because the winner will determine whether Nigeria remains in the Western security orbit or tilts into the emerging multipolar bloc or attempts non alignment. That choice will determine currency, energy routes, military procurement, maritime rights, resource contracts, port access, surveillance grids, tech standards and the survival of the Nigerian federation itself.

 

If this country enters that arena with the same unseriousness of 2015 or 2023 it will not come out the same. Some countries are partitioned by war. Others are partitioned by elections they did not understand. Ask Yugoslavia. Ask Sudan. Ask Ukraine. Ask Libya. Ask Venezuela. Nothing guarantees that Nigeria must remain intact forever simply because it did yesterday. Empires do not care about history. They care about resources and alignment.

 

January seven was not about Trump. It was a signal that the world has entered the pre conflict stage of a global realignment. Some states are preparing. Some states are aligning. Some states are building bunkers. Nigeria is debating who insulted who on television.

 

There is still time. But not much.

 

If Africa has a frontline state in this new world it is Nigeria. But frontline states need doctrine, strategy, unity, and elite consensus. Nigeria has none of the above. And that is the most dangerous national security vulnerability of all.

 

By Hon. Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu

Duruebube Uzii na Abosi

 

www.oblongmedia.netn

My Son Would Be Alive Today If Not For An Incident At Euracare Hospital

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My Son Would Be Alive Today If Not For An Incident At Euracare Hospital

“My Son Would Be Alive Today If Not For An Incident At Euracare Hospital, Lagos, On January 6th” — Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Opens Up On Her Son’s Death

 

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has spoken publicly about the d+ath of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, stating that he would still be alive if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6. She explained that the statement was originally shared privately with family and close friends.

 

According to Adichie, the family was in Lagos for Christmas when Nkanu developed what initially appeared to be a cold but later became a severe infection. He was admitted to Atlantis Hospital and was scheduled to be flown to the United States the next day, accompanied by travelling doctors, with a team at Johns Hopkins Hospital waiting to receive him. Tests requested included an MRI, a lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a central line in preparation for travel. Atlantis Hospital referred them to Euracare Hospital to carry out the procedures.

 

On the morning of January 6, Nkanu was taken to Euracare. He was sedated with propofol to prevent movement during the MRI and central line procedure. Adichie said she noticed unusual activity when medical staff rushed into the theater. She was later informed that Nkanu had been given too much propofol, became unresponsive, and was resuscitated.

 

Soon after, he was placed on a ventilator, intubated, admitted to the ICU, and began experiencing seizures and c@rdiac arrest—conditions he had never previously had. He d+ed hours later.

 

Adichie alleged that Nkanu was never properly monitored after sedation, describing the anesthesiologist’s actions as crim+nally negligent and careless. She also claimed the same anesthesiologist had previously overdosed other children and questioned why he was allowed to continue working. She concluded by calling for accountability to prevent similar tragedies.

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