By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA- IN recognition of women’s resilience and commitment to sustenance of life, a renowned filmmaker and media entrepreneur, Magnus Oku, has officially announced the production of a major documentary project titled: “Folasade Tinubu: The Woman Behind the Voices: Leadership, Legacy and the Market Women of Nigeria” to portray to the world the leadership, life, and legacy of Nigerian market women.

In a statement signed by Oku, he explained that the documentary, alongside a companion book written by him, is also set for release, with both works expected to premiere during a special unveiling event that will gather stakeholders from the creative industry, governance, women development organisations, Nigerian film industry, academia, women advocacy groups, development institutions, policymakers, business leaders and international cultural organizations.

As anticipation builds, many within the creative sector believe “The Woman Behind the Voices: Leadership, Legacy and the Market Women of Nigeria” may become one of the defining documentary projects celebrating the invisible engines behind Nigeria’s social and economic survival.

He also asserted that for Magnus Oku and his team, the mission goes beyond filmmaking, but it is about preserving identity, honouring sacrifice, and ensuring that the voices of Nigerian women who built generations are never forgotten

He said: “The project is already being described by industry observers as one of the most culturally significant documentary initiatives focused on the untold strength, economic influence, and leadership role of Nigerian women in informal trade systems and grassroots economic development.”

According to the production team at ARTLIFE MEDIA PRODUCTIONS, the documentary seeks to preserve history, amplify overlooked voices, and celebrate the generations of women whose labour, sacrifices, resilience, and influence have sustained communities and powered local economies across Nigeria for decades.

Meanwhile, the documentary will explore the stories of market women not merely as traders, but as nation builders, informal economists, cultural preservers, family stabilisers, and silent political influencers whose impact cuts across education, food security, commerce, philanthropy, and community leadership.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the project, Magnus Oku explained that the idea emerged from years of observing how market women continue to shape Nigerian society despite limited recognition in mainstream historical narratives.

“Many of these women built families, trained children through universities, sponsored dreams, sustained communities, and became pillars of economic survival during difficult national seasons. Yet their stories are rarely documented at the scale they deserve. This project is about giving dignity, visibility and honour to their legacy.

“The production comes at a time when documentaries centred on social impact, women’s empowerment and African cultural identity are increasingly gaining international recognition. Across Nigeria and Africa, several successful documentary projects have demonstrated the importance of preserving indigenous stories and women-centred narratives.”

Research and documentary projects focused on women entrepreneurs in Lagos and across Nigeria have highlighted how women continue to play transformative roles in the creative economy, entrepreneurship, leadership and social development.

The documentary by ARTLIFE MEDIA PRODUCTIONS is expected to combine cinematic storytelling, historical archives, interviews, dramatic visual recreations, cultural references, and real-life testimonies from women across multiple Nigerian regions and markets.

Industry analysts believe the project could become an important cultural archive for future generations, particularly as conversations continue globally around women’s economic inclusion, grassroots leadership and preservation of indigenous African identities.

Nigeria’s informal market system remains one of the largest drivers of local commerce in Africa, with women making up a significant percentage of small-scale traders and operators in local markets nationwide. Scholars and researchers have repeatedly noted the importance of women’s participation in economic growth, community stability and national development.

He also, spoke on the essence of the companion book he has written, which he said is expected to provide a deeper literary exploration into the lives, struggles, victories and historical significance of Nigerian market women, saying, “Sources close to the production reveal that the book will contain detailed narratives, reflections, cultural insights, historical analysis, interviews and motivational lessons drawn from real-life experiences.

The unveiling ceremony for both the documentary and book is projected to attract key figures from the Nigerian film industry, academia, women advocacy groups, development institutions, policymakers, business leaders and international cultural organisations.

Observers also note that the initiative aligns with a growing movement within African cinema that focuses on socially conscious storytelling and documentaries that inspire national reflection and social change.