Former President Olusegun Obasanjo attended the premiere of “Mother’s Love,” the directorial debut of veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. The event took place at the Alliance Française in Lagos, ahead of the film’s nationwide release on March 6.
The former head of state’s presence at a film premiere marked a notable departure from his typical appearances at political and diplomatic events. His attendance became the focal point of the evening celebrating Jalade-Ekeinde’s first effort behind the camera.
The red-carpet event featured prominent industry stakeholders and celebrities, including actors Ruth Kadiri, Ifeanyi Kalu, and Lily Afe, alongside media personality Denrele Edun. The premiere also included a surprise appearance by the director’s second daughter.
“Mother’s Love” is a feature film starring Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, alongside Ifeanyi Kalu, Olumide Oworu, and Noray Nehita. The production explores complex themes within the Nigerian family structure.
The premiere coincided with ongoing debates in the industry about movie promotion. Jalade-Ekeinde and filmmaker Kunle Afolayan have publicly criticized the expectation for actors and producers to create viral content to drive ticket sales.
Industry analysts suggest that high-level attendance at the premiere signals a shift toward prestige-based marketing strategies over digital trends. Despite the media attention, the former President did not issue an official statement during the screening.
“The presence of former President Obasanjo at the premiere signals a move toward prestige-focused promotion rather than purely digital campaigns,” noted industry analysts.
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