By Ameh Gabriel
Abuja, Sept. 4, 2025 – The Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has applauded Nigerian international broadcaster and producer, Gbolahan Macjob, for the global acclaim of his groundbreaking film Ireke: Rise of the Maroons, which has set multiple international records for a Nigerian local language movie.
In a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described Ireke as a historic and culturally significant achievement, spotlighting African slave rebellions in the Caribbean for the first time in cinematic history. She noted that the film’s success has captivated audiences beyond the Nigerian diaspora, extending its influence to the Caribbean, white British communities, and international film enthusiasts worldwide.
The NiDCOM boss commended Macjob’s exceptional creativity and achievements, highlighting his Abeokuta roots and training as a Mass Communications graduate of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State. She praised him as a senior journalist with the BBC World Service who continues to uplift Nigeria’s global image, while also contributing to domestic talent development through training initiatives and donations to the broadcasting sector.
Dabiri-Erewa further emphasized NiDCOM’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian diaspora in achieving excellence, both abroad and at home. She described Macjob an Emmy-nominated journalist—as a perfect blend of homegrown quality and international exposure, adding that the timing of Ireke reflects Nigeria’s renewed rise as a respected global cultural voice.
Ireke has achieved several “firsts,” including:
- The first Nigerian local language film to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
- The Nollywood film with the largest and longest screening in the United Kingdom (UK).
- The first Nollywood film to host a simultaneous global premiere in London, Lagos, and Abeokuta.
- The only Nollywood film to hold a press screening ahead of its premiere.
With more screenings scheduled in Canada and other countries, Ireke continues to underline the global appeal of Nigerian storytelling and cultural excellence.
