The growing influence of Nigeria’s first Al-driven movie, “Makemation,” and its visionary producer, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, who has carved a name for herself as a trailblazer in technology and creative industries, has used the film to challenge conventions, educate the public, and push for systemic changes, especially in the realm of education and gender equality.
Speaking on this week’s edition of the Mic on Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, Akerele-Ogunsiji used the platform to share her motivation behind Makemation, which integrates storytelling with artificial intelligence to mirror and challenge Nigeria’s social realities,
“Makemation is a combination of live action and artificial intelligence. When ‘Makemation’ has been described constantly as Africa’s first feature film on Artificial Intelligence (Al), it’s not a farce; it’s not an aspiration or a dream. It’s actually a statement of fact.”
She further explained that the film was conceived as an educational tool to make complex technologies relatable to everyday Nigerians, adding as well that it is a civic intervention aimed at influencing national policy. “The fastest way to democratize the Al knowledge and skills and other technologies of the world to young people, their parents and families was to deliver it using familiar channels of interaction. I couldn’t think of a better way than to put it in a film. For me, it is a way to preach to the government that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education has to become mandatory in our education curriculum.
She emphasizes that the future of Nigeria lies in how its youth and leaders embrace technology for democratic accountability and socio-economic growth. For her, the intersection of technology and governance is not merely a trend but a necessary tool for disrupting entrenched systems that no longer serve the populace.
“Al is definitely a harbinger of hope. There’s so much more we can do with it (in this country). I think Al will automate tasks and make things a lot more efficient and better. We need to focus our energy more on how we train our people to respond to the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence.”
Turning to political leadership and gender inclusion, Akerele-Ogunsiji challenged women across Nigeria to recognize their collective agency, acknowledging further that transformation must be intentional and strategic, hence, the need for women to position themselves beyond tokenistic participation. “The day that women will wake up and understand the power that we have as women is the day we’re going to experience a paradigm shift in this country. Women have to build more capacity. I think the best of women are not stepping up to play when it comes to politics in Nigeria. We also need male allies to even be considered or to win.”
Meanwhile, in a powerful moment, she addressed the uncomfortable but urgent topic of sexual harassment in politics and professional spaces, echoing a growing movement demanding dignity, merit, and ethics in both the public and private sectors.
“For me, there is absolutely nothing that’s worth subjecting myself to sexual advances from men for money, power, and personal aggrandizement.”
Expressing confidence in the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance rather than eliminate jobs, Akerele-Ogunsiji, however, underscored the critical role of technology in strengthening electoral systems, advocating its use in building processes that are efficient, transparent and resistant to manipulation.
Watch complete clip with the link below