ComeOnNaija, the production studio behind the award-winning Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story, has unveiled its next major feature film, Iwè Àlà (The Book of Dreams) a cultural epic rooted in the iconic Ojúdé Ọba festivalalongside a strategic investment partnership with AIICO Insurance Plc, in a move analysts say marks a new phase of institutional financing in Nollywood.
Announced during a special session at AFRIFF 2025 in Lagos, the partnership signals rising corporate confidence in the creative sector and reflects a growing industry shift toward more structured, professionally insured film financing models. Principal photography for the film begins in November 2025.
Executive Producer, Olawumi Fajemirokun, described AIICO’s involvement as a major validation for the industry, noting that the insurer’s backing “signals a deepening recognition, within corporate Nigeria, that Nollywood is not only a cultural force but also an investable industry with sustainable long-term value.”
According to her, Iwè Àlà is a “groundbreaking ode to the heart of Ojúdé Ọba,” designed as an immersive cinematic tribute to the festival’s heritage, fashion and communal spirit.
AIICO Insurance, which has decades of experience in long-term risk management, said the project aligns with its commitment to supporting initiatives that preserve Nigeria’s cultural identity. Marketing and Communications Lead, Segun Olalandu, said the film reinforces intergenerational ties and showcases the richness of indigenous tradition.
Producer Kenechukwu Egbue added that AIICO’s decision reflects the insurer’s long-standing cultural footprint and the growing recognition that Nollywood has become a central pillar of national identity and economic opportunity.
Industry observers note that the alliance between AIICO and ComeOnNaija represents an emerging trend, where financial institutions are beginning to treat film production as a viable asset class one that delivers both cultural impact and measurable economic returns.
Set in Ijebu and culminating in the pageantry of the Ojúdé Ọba festival, Iwè Àlà: An Ojúdé Ọba Story is expected to strengthen global visibility for Nigerian culture while showcasing a modern blueprint for how films can be financed, insured and structured in a rapidly evolving creative economy.
