UN Women has premiered Ibukun and the People, a bold new Nollywood film designed to spark national conversations on women’s political participation and mobilize support for inclusive governance ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
The premiere which held at the United Nations House in Abuja, marks a major milestone in the SideBySideNaija campaign—UN Women’s multimedia advocacy initiative championing increased representation of women in governance and building momentum for the passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill.
Produced by UN Women with support from the Governments of the United Kingdom and Canada, Ibukun and the People uses storytelling to spotlight the urgent need for greater inclusion of women in political leadership and decision-making in Nigeria.
At a time when women remain significantly underrepresented in governance, the film brings the realities behind the statistics to life, capturing the frustrations, resilience, and leadership potential of women navigating systems that often exclude them from positions of power.
Produced in collaboration with Nollywood, the film features acclaimed actors including Joke Silva, Ivie Okujaye, and Uzee Usman, whose performances deliver a powerful and relatable portrayal of the everyday realities faced by many Nigerian women and communities.
The premiere reinforces UN Women’s long-standing commitment to advancing women’s leadership through innovative advocacy.
Through the SideBySideNaija campaign, UN Women has leveraged television, radio, digital media, outdoor campaigns, and strategic partnerships to shift public perceptions and build support for gender-responsive reforms.
Ibukun and the People expands that advocacy into film, recognizing the unique power of storytelling to connect emotionally with audiences, challenge perceptions, and inspire action in ways that policy conversations alone often cannot.
Speaking at the premiere, Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, described the film as both a reflection of lived realities and a call for urgent reform.
“This film is more than a story; it is a mirror. It reflects the reality of many women across this great nation, women who see development projects in their communities abandoned, health centres left in ruin, and the needs of their children overlooked.”
She emphasized that meaningful inclusion in governance is critical to addressing these systemic challenges.
“When women are frustrated by a system that excludes them, the ultimate solution is for them to lead that system.”
International partners and stakeholders at the premiere echoed the call for greater political inclusion for women in Nigeria. Gill Lever, UK Deputy High Commissioner, described women’s participation in politics as an urgent democratic priority and expressed hope that the film would spark reflection, conversation, and momentum for reform.
Similarly, Sanna Selim, Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, underscored the broader importance of gender equality, noting that women’s inclusion is not only a human right but also essential for peace and sustainable development.
Voices from Nigeria’s creative industry also reinforced the significance of the project. Actor Uzee Usman described the film as an important intervention in shaping public discourse around women’s leadership, while actress Ivie Okujaye expressed hope that the film would inspire women across the country to take up space and lead.
As the first cinematic instalment of the SideBySideNaija campaign, Ibukun and the People represents a strategic blend of entertainment and advocacy, one designed not only to raise awareness, but also to inspire collective action toward a more inclusive democracy.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, UN Women and its partners continue to call on policymakers, stakeholders, media, and citizens to support reforms that will expand women’s representation in governance and ensure that women have an equal voice in shaping the country’s future.
