In the bid to breathe life into Nigeria’s creative industry, O2 Academy School of Media once again proved why it remains one of Nigeria’s most transformative creative institutions.

 

Indeed, it was a profound moment filled with dazzling creativity, emotions, and groundbreaking storytelling.

Impressively, that was the mood as the academy’s graduating students recently premiered four captivating short films.

In fact, to every audience at the movie premiere, there was no doubt that each movie was a vivid testament to O2’s signature blend of imagination, discipline, and storytelling mastery.

From electrifying performances to thought-provoking storylines, the premiere became a celebration of youthful excellence.

Not only that, it was a demonstration of refined talent, and a new dawn for Nigeria’s creative economy anchored on O2’s relentless drive to nurture world-class creators and storytellers.

Of course, at O2 Academy, creativity is not just taught but cultivated, refined, and unleashed.

So, each student becomes a living testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose.

However, no matter how many students or families it touches, O2 Academy treats every creative journey as personal, one-on-one, and transformational.

Over the years, the institution has become a household name synonymous with innovation, excellence, and youth empowerment in Nigeria’s creative and marketing communications space.

With every new program, collaboration, or graduating class, O2 continues to set the pace for creative education in Africa.

Uche Ozor Highlights  Partnership

Uche Ozor, the Vice Provost and Principal of the O2 Academy School of Media fondly called the Creative Nerd, passionately reflected on the academy’s continued drive to impact the Nigerian creative landscape.

Overall, he described the recently established collaboration between O2 Academy, the Federal Government, the Ministry of Education, and the World Bank as a transformative leap forward in creative education.

According to him, this partnership aims to equip Nigerian youths with modern creative technologies and globally competitive digital filmmaking skills, ensuring that students of O2 Academy are at par with their international counterparts.

“We have always been driven by one goal, to show the world what Nigerians can do.

Moreover, over the years, O2 Academy has trained thousands of young creatives whose works have contributed at least ₦19.5 billion to Nigeria’s economy. If that isn’t a pat on the back to keep going, nothing else is.”

He explained that the academy’s focus now includes the integration of advanced creative tools and emerging technologies into its curriculum such as artificial intelligence.

This collaboration, he said, will help democratise access to creative training and ensure that Nigeria remains relevant in the fast-evolving global media and entertainment ecosystem.

“Our partnership with the Federal Government, Ministry of Education, and World Bank is focused on empowering young creatives with new tools to thrive.”

“It’s about building the future of storytelling, one that aligns with global innovation while preserving our local narratives through the use of Artificial Intelligence.”

He added that the creative sector’s growth potential is enormous, given Nigeria’s youthful demographic and rising interest in filmmaking and media entrepreneurship.

“In the next two to three years,” Ozor projected, “we’ll witness an explosion of new filmmakers, storytellers who will retell history, forecast the future, and express powerful narratives without limits.

That’s the revolution O2 Academy is helping to shape.”

Through this partnership, O2 Academy continues to live out its mission of impact, nurturing creativity, building capacity, and fueling sustainable growth across Nigeria’s Integrated Marketing Communications and entertainment industries.

Celebrating Emerging Creative Voices

The movie premiere served as a showcase for the academy’s graduating students, a celebration of months of dedication, sleepless nights, brainstorming sessions, script rewrites, and numerous retakes.

Each short film was a creative revelation, merging bold storytelling with visual artistry.

The evening featured four emotive and thought-provoking short films:

Red Nail Polish directed by Ebun Oluwa Afode
My Country Happened directed by Usoro Ndifereke
The Prodigal directed by Samuel Nwabuisi
She Spoke First directed by Chioma John

Each film captured deep social and emotional themes, reflecting the creative depth and storytelling skills O2 Academy continues to nurture.

Recognizing Excellence in Storytelling

My Country Happened won Best Cinematography, while She Spoke First by Chioma John swept multiple awards including Best Art Direction, Best Screenplay, and Overall Best Film.

Amid tears of joy, Chioma expressed her gratitude:

“I’m amazed and short of words. I’m extremely elated with how She Spoke First turned out. I thank O2 Academy for polishing me this much,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Turning Hidden Talents into Gold

Beyond the glitter of the event, the night reaffirmed O2’s unique ability to turn hidden potential into polished brilliance.

Mama Elizabeth Azuaranam, who won the Overall Best Actor award, shared a remarkable story:

“I had never acted before. They begged me to play a role,” she laughed. But O2 worked their magic  and here I am, winning an award!”

Her story  like countless others  reflects O2’s gift for refining raw talent into industry-ready stars

The Judges Speak on Impact 

Present at the movie premiere were two distinguished judges: Ikechukwu Okoro, veteran Nollywood actor, and Adekunle Adejuyigbe (Nodash), a celebrated filmmaker.

Ikechukwu Okoro described O2 Academy’s initiative as nation building, applauding its efforts to groom the next generation of creatives.

“O2 Academy is doing a wonderful job.They’re impacting lives, equipping young people with knowledge, and helping Nigeria solve its own problems. What they are doing is nothing short of nation building.”

Similarly, Nodash advised the students to strive for technical excellence and collaboration in their filmmaking journey.

“You don’t have to be the best at everything,” he said. “Learn to collaborate. Excellence is in the details in every cut, every shot. Be flexible and remember your audience may hear your story differently than you tell it.”

02 Breathing Life into Hidden Talents

From advertising to filmmaking, O2 Academy has become the crucible for talent discovery and transformation.

Like a goldsmith refining raw metal into pure gold, the academy polishes students’ creative abilities, turning hidden gifts into shining gems.

Many of today’s top advertising professionals, brand communicators, and creative directors trace their roots to O2 Academy.

Now, the institution is extending its footprint into Nollywood, producing actors, directors, cinematographers, and screenwriters.

Indeed, as its name implies, Oxygen, O2 Academy  truly breathes life into the dreams of every student

In addition, this is regardless of background or age.

Each graduate emerges confident, capable, and ready to change the narrative for themselves, their industry, and their nation.

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