Nollywood Stars Turn Out In Style For Tola Odunsi’s ‘19’ Premiere

Nollywood stars and leading figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry gathered in Lagos for the Nigerian premiere of the highly anticipated crime drama, 19.

According to Ireporter Online, the premiere was held at Fame in Lekki, Lagos, and attracted prominent actors, filmmakers and other entertainment personalities, including Deyemi Okanlawon, Enado Odigie and filmmaker Tola Odunsi.

The movie, written and directed by Odunsi, was produced by Bola Atta and is scheduled for nationwide cinema release on Friday, September 11.

Several prominent personalities graced the red carpet, including Toyin Abraham, Kunle Afolayan and Wale Ojo.

Other celebrities in attendance included Linda Ejiofor, Femi Adebayo, Darey Art Alade and Kunle Remi, alongside members of the cast and crew who gathered to celebrate the film ahead of its cinema debut.

The crime drama features an ensemble cast led by Stan Nze, Sola Sobowale, Bisola Aiyeola, Deyemi Okanlawon, William Benson and Ademola Adedoyin.

Other members of the cast include Boma Akpore, Helen Enado Odigie, Tayo Faniran and Charles Okafor.

Beyond its star-studded cast and glamorous premiere, 19 explores issues surrounding internet fraud and the circumstances that can lead young people into criminal activities.

The story follows Ndubuisi Madueke, played by Stan Nze, a young man whose difficult circumstances and desperation gradually draw him into the world of internet fraud.

His life takes a significant turn after meeting Usuanlele, a wealthy and influential figure in his neighbourhood who becomes his mentor.

The film examines factors including poverty, unemployment, corruption, peer pressure and the desire for financial success, while exploring how these pressures can influence the choices made by young people.

Speaking about the project, Odunsi said the film was designed to examine the story behind criminal behaviour rather than glorify the pursuit of quick wealth.

He explained that 19 explores how a young person seeking a better life could gradually lose his way while pursuing success through dangerous means.

Producer Bola Atta said the film was created to reflect the growing impact of internet fraud on Nigerian society while encouraging young people to pursue legitimate paths to success.

According to him, the consequences of fraudulent activities have continued to affect individuals, families and communities, making it important to address the issue through storytelling.

The premiere also drew positive reactions from guests, with many connecting with the film’s message and its exploration of choices and consequences.

Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, described the film as timely, noting that it highlights how people facing similar pressures can make very different decisions.

Dr Busola Tejumola, Senior Vice President of Content at Canal Plus, also described the movie as an important piece of storytelling, particularly at a time when internet fraud, piracy and content theft remain growing concerns.

The title 19 is a reference to Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, which has historically been associated with advance-fee fraud and later became widely linked with internet fraud in popular Nigerian culture.

19 opens in cinemas across Nigeria on Friday, September 11.