By Peter Dansu A new Nollywood movie titled Badagry is set for its grand premiere on July 4, 2025, at the prestigious Festival Hall, Gove...
By Peter Dansu
A new Nollywood movie titled Badagry is set for its grand premiere on July 4, 2025, at the prestigious Festival Hall, Government House in Benin City, Edo State. The film, which explores some of the most pressing social issues in contemporary Nigeria, is produced by Destiny Omon, an Edo State-born, Ghana-based filmmaker and President of the Nollywood Ghana chapter.
Featuring a stellar lineup of both Nigerian and Ghanaian stars, Badagry boasts appearances from veteran Nollywood icon Alex Usifo, Yemi Black, Jude Orhorha, Nike Adams, Christian Alex, and Destiny Omon himself.
According to Omon, Badagry tackles harsh realities such as drug abuse, kidnapping, prostitution, and armed robbery. “It is a movie that talks about drugs on the street, slums, prostitution, kidnapping, and armed robbery,” he said. “You will see, raw and unfiltered, the consequences of drug abuse and how bad the situation has become.”
The film, shot earlier in March, was supported by the Edo State Government and the Edo State Waste Management Board. Omon revealed that about 90 percent of the film’s crew members were recruited from Edo State, further reinforcing the need to host the first screening in Benin City.
“After making the film, we thought it wise to first screen it in Edo State because the people who made it possible are right here,” he said. “We appreciate the support of the Edo State Government and the Waste Management Board.”
Omon, who has spent nearly 20 years producing films in Ghana, also compared filmmaking in Ghana to Nigeria. He noted that while Ghana provides better security and infrastructure for film production, Nigeria remains the largest and most dynamic market for African movies. “It’s still cheaper to produce in Nigeria, and the market here is unmatched,” he added.
Although production of Badagry began before Governor Monday Okpebholo assumed office, Omon commended the current administration’s tough stance on insecurity and crime. “Now we have a governor who says, ‘If you kidnap, I will pull your house down.’ But many still don’t grasp the gravity of what we’re facing.”
The producer also made a passionate appeal for more direct government support for the creative industry. “Support is appreciated, but it must get to the right people—those who are actually making the films and creating jobs,” he stressed.
With its gripping narrative and bold themes, Badagry is poised to spark critical conversations and draw attention to the social challenges that continue to affect communities across Nigeria.
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