Shettima rallies support for Nigeria’s ‘Mai Martaba’ in Oscar campaign

By Tosin Brown

Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged the federal government’s full support for Nigeria’s Oscar bid with the film Mai Martaba.

He assured filmmakers of access to the $618 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme (iDICE), designed to boost investment in the country’s digital and creative industries.

Speaking during a meeting with the film’s team, led by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima expressed optimism about the country’s prospects.

“It’s a good day to be a Nigerian,” the Vice President declared, emphasizing unity and collective effort.

“We will make sure that the kaleidoscope that represents all the colours in our nation is carried along. Let’s fuse into one and support this project. There is more that binds than divides us. Within the ethnic groups, you don’t know where the boundaries end. We are essentially one people.”

Shettima tasked the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy to lead a robust campaign to rally resources and support for the Oscars effort.

“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 added.

Mai Martaba, directed by Prince Daniel, is Nigeria’s official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.

The film, which delves into themes of power, love, and female leadership in an ancient African kingdom, has gained critical acclaim and is now at the forefront of Nigeria’s global cultural push.