‘It’s a recognition of our creative talents’ — FG lauds Mo Abudu over Netflix deal

The federal government has congratulated Mo Abudu, a film producer, on her partnership with Netflix, US media production brand. 

In a statement on Friday, Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, described the deal as a big boost for the country’s creative industry at a time the industry was reeling from the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The minister said the partnership — for on-screen adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s ‘Death and The King’s Horseman’ and Lola Shoneyin’s ‘The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives’ — has added another feather to Abudu’s already ‘well-adorned’ creative cap.

“Coming after Netflix’s first Nigeria original film, Lionheart, this is a great recognition of the immense creative talents that abound in the country and the provision of a global platform for Nigeria storytelling,” he said.

Mohammed also expressed hopes that the partnership would signal the beginning of a bigger, mutually-beneficial working relationship between the streaming service and the country’s creative industry.

Netflix had announced a deal with Abudu, who is the founder of Ebony Life TV, to produce a film and series from the two literary classics.

“We’ve got major news for you today! Netflix has partnered with acclaimed producer, Mo Abudu, to bring you two of Nigeria’s most beloved literary classics to screens around the world!,” it wrote on Twitter.