“Onobiren” premieres with glitz and glamour

2026-03-08 - 06:27

By Ayo Onikoyi Filmmaker and author Laju Iren on Sunday, March 1, 2026, premiered her latest movie, Onobiren, at EbonyLife Cinemas, Victoria Island, Lagos, in an event marked by glitz, glamour and a vibrant display of South-South culture. The premiere, themed “South-South Royalty,” transformed the venue into a colourful showcase of Niger Delta heritage as guests arrived dressed in regal ensembles inspired by traditional royalty from the region. Among the dignitaries and celebrities present were Orode Uduaghan, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Delta State; media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo; Lead Pastor of Celebration Church International, Emmanuel Iren—who is also the husband of the executive producer—as well as Michael Ejoor, Juliana Olayode, Blessing Nze, Ojoma Ochai, Ruby Akubueze, Desmond Bryce, Amanda Dara and others. Onobiren will begin screening in cinemas nationwide from March 6. The film features Ruby Akubueze, Bisola Aiyeola, Deyemi Okanlawon, Patience Ozokwor, Norbert Young, Desmond Bryce and others. Executive producer and writer Laju Iren shared the inspiration behind the project, highlighting her personal connection to the story and its cultural significance. “As an Itsekiri girl myself, this speaks to the fact that women can be underrepresented in terms of storytelling and the kinds of stories women are told. We see women in stories, but sometimes it’s always the same kind of stories. I am also from what some might consider a minority tribe, and we are not really as represented as we should be. It was just really nice to do something unique. We shot some of the scenes in my grandma’s village, Koko. It’s a beautiful place. So it was really nice to be able to represent the South-South in that regard. At the end of the day, it’s one Nigeria. It’s one Africa. And just really bringing different perspectives and different cultures makes the storytelling even more beautiful. It will elevate women’s stories; it will spark conversations about gender roles, sometimes in faith aspects, sometimes not.” Onobiren begins screening in cinemas nationwide from March 6, exploring themes of resilience, culture and women’s experiences while highlighting the richness of South-South heritage.