A quiet but powerful shift is unfolding in Nollywood as more women step into leadership roles, driving conversations, setting agendas, and reshaping the future of one of the world’s most vibrant film industries. Among these voices is actress and producer Wumi Toriola, who has steadily built a reputation not only for her on-screen charisma but for her growing influence behind the scenes.
In a move that underscored this rising leadership, Toriola recently convened a diverse gathering of Nollywood stakeholders for a colloquium and end-of-year soirée themed “Future of Nollywood: Challenges and Progress.” Held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, the event—aptly described by her as “The Genesis 1.0”—sparked thoughtful conversations about the industry’s direction, professionalism, and long-term potential.
Raising the Bar: Industry Must Enforce Standards
Delivering the keynote address, theatre scholar Professor Mojisola Bimbo-Manuel challenged practitioners to confront the industry’s lingering weaknesses. She stressed that Nollywood’s future depends on stricter professional and entry requirements—similar to the structured standards found in academia and other established sectors.
“People will put good money into filmmaking, but the only way to access that investment is to bring out good products,” she said. “There are so many people among you who should not move with you. Your industry is suffering because standards are not enforced.”
Drawing a comparison, she asked, “Before you can become a professor in UNILAG, you must have a PhD. What is the benchmark for getting into Nollywood?”
Professor Bimbo-Manuel also spoke to the cultural role of actors, noting that they often serve as more influential role models to children than their parents. She urged practitioners—especially women—to avoid unnecessary controversies and emphasized that respect does not require provocative dressing.
Financial Discipline for Longevity in the Industry
The conversation moved beyond artistry to personal sustainability when financial expert Akorede Idowu addressed the gathering. He urged creatives to think long-term, reminding them that fame and energy have a lifecycle.
“You won’t always have the strength to work, and younger faces will keep joining the industry. It is wise to plan ahead,” he said.
Idowu encouraged saving, investing, diversifying income sources, and building emergency funds. He also highlighted the need for filmmakers to understand tax laws that affect their earnings.
Government Support and Global Recognition
Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Bukola Agbaminoja, reaffirmed government support for Nollywood. She noted that international stars are currently filming in Nigeria because of the quality and creativity of local practitioners.
According to her, the Lagos State government has provided grants worth hundreds of millions to filmmakers to support quality production and enhance global visibility.
Toriola’s Call for Integrity and Professionalism
As the host of the evening, Wumi Toriola delivered a message rooted in ethics and reputation—values she believes Nollywood must reinforce.
“Character is different from integrity,” she stated. “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.”
Her remarks reflected a broader push for accountability within the industry, aligning with the event’s focus on strengthening structures, building trust, and elevating professional conduct.
The soirée drew a number of notable figures, including Yewande Adekoya, Dolapo Oni, Bimbo Aiyeola, Regina Chukwu, Adediwura BlarkGold, Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje), Omowunmi Ajiboye, Idris Aregbe, and Cinemax Managing Director Opeyemi Ajayi, among others.
A Growing Footprint
Toriola’s industry influence continues to expand—not only through convenings like this but also through new ventures. The event came shortly after the launch of her YouTube channel, wumitoriolatv, and the impressive performance of Gingerrr, her co-produced film currently showing in cinemas.
Her efforts signal a broader trend of women in Nollywood stepping forward to shape the business, culture, and future of the industry. If “Genesis 1.0” is anything to go by, Toriola appears set to remain at the forefront of that evolution.