Mai Martaba: Vice President Shettima pledges federal support for Nigeria’s Oscars entry
Vice President Kashim Shettima has promised federal government support for Mai Martaba, Nigeria’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
During a meeting with the film’s team at the Presidential Villa, Shettima highlighted the government’s commitment to bolstering the creative industry. He assured the team of access to the $618 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme (iDICE), which is designed to support Nigeria’s burgeoning digital and creative sectors.
“It’s a good day to be a Nigerian,” Shettima stated, expressing optimism about the film’s potential to showcase Nigeria’s rich culture on the global stage. He praised the unifying power of cinema, emphasizing its role in telling authentic Nigerian stories.
The meeting, led by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, underscored the government’s dedication to empowering creative talents and promoting cultural exports.
“We will make sure that the kaleidoscope representing all the colours of our nation is carried along. Let’s fuse into one and support this project. There is more that binds than divides us,” Shettima said
“By the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation on earth. There is beauty in numbers. I want to reiterate my unflinching support for us to get the Oscars,” he stressed.
Mai Martaba, which translates to ‘His Majesty’, is anticipated to bring international attention to Nigeria’s film industry, commonly known as Nollywood. With this backing, the production team is optimistic about its chances of achieving recognition at the prestigious Academy Awards.
