The project was co-executive produced by Asabe Madaki alongside acclaimed series producer Rogers Ofime, marking another step in cross-industry storytelling aimed at expanding the reach and production quality of northern cinema narratives.
Directed by Prince Daniel—known for Mai Martaba, Nigeria’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars—the film is described as a tense investigative drama. It follows Ahmad Balami, a journalist whose pursuit of truth leads him into the exposure of a high-level corruption network tied to an arms deal.
“Akwati is centred on Ahmad Balami, an investigative journalist who exposes high-level corruption in an arms deal… Akwati is coming soon to cinemas,” Madaki noted, confirming the project’s imminent release.
Beyond the film itself, the production reflects a broader advocacy for stronger investment in northern storytelling. Madaki, who runs Skylenz Productions, has consistently emphasized that the region holds significant untapped creative potential across writing, directing, production, and music.
With over a decade in the industry, she describes her transition from studying law to filmmaking as a defining shift shaped by purpose and cultural responsibility. According to her, northern perspectives remain essential to Nigeria’s wider film landscape, particularly in presenting authentic narratives that reflect lived experiences, social values, and contemporary challenges.
Through her production work, she has also focused on building platforms for emerging creatives, noting that mentorship and collaboration remain key to sustaining industry growth.
Industry observers continue to point to the northern cinema space as one with expanding possibilities, especially as projects like Akwati push for higher production standards and broader audience reach across Nigeria and beyond.