Nigerian film industry veteran Moses Babatope has unveiled Nile Media Entertainment Group, a new production and distribution studio aimed at transforming African cinema.
The company, named after the River Nile, will focus on cultural representation, industry excellence and sustainable practices. As co-founder of FilmHouse Group and managing director of FilmOne Entertainment, Babatope had been instrumental in bringing African films to global audiences.
The Nile Group comprises five subsidiaries: Nile Entertainment, a distribution arm covering local and international markets; Nile Cinemas, offering luxury cinema experiences; Nile Motion Pictures, a production company for Nollywood films; Nile Studio Lab, a film village in Nigeria; and Nile Foundation, the CSR arm focused on community development through film.
Babatope has assembled a female-led executive team for the venture. Biola Sokenu steps in as executive director and group COO, bringing over two decades of experience as a financial controller and production accountant across the U.K., Nigeria and the U.S. Prior to joining Nile Group, Sokenu led financial operations at Fleet River Productions Ltd, managing the production of Netflix’s “The Diplomat” Season 2. Her extensive background includes work on independent films and pivotal roles at global organizations such as AAA Entertainment, FilmOne Entertainment and the BBC.
Lolu Desalu joins as executive director, leveraging 18 years of experience in business strategy, brand building and strategic partnerships. Desalu’s career spans roles at NPower, Incisive Media, TimeInc. London, and most recently as chief marketing officer at Filmhouse Group.
Abimbola Roli Craig takes on the role of VP production. A lawyer-turned-filmmaker, Craig previously headed production at NdaniTV, where she co-produced hits like “Sugar Rush” and “Real Housewives of Lagos.” Her Netflix production “Glamour Girls” became the first Nigerian film to reach the global top 10 list.
Bukky George Taylor joins as VP of Nile X, the luxury cinema arm. Taylor brings 17 years of strategic communications experience as founder of Robert Taylor Media and co-founder of Crawl Africa, the first tourism app in the continent.
Nowekere Alexis C.I Segun-Ojo rounds out the team as GM of distribution and marketing. With over 13 years in public relations and brand strategy, Segun-Ojo, as general manager at Nile Entertainment, shaped and executed the company’s strategic vision, contributing to the success of West Africa’s highest-grossing cinema marketing team, executing high-profile campaigns for local and international films.
“Our vision for Nile Media Entertainment Group is to be the beacon of African storytelling, illuminating hearts and minds across the globe with captivating films that celebrate diversity, inspire empathy, normalise industry excellence and foster cultural exchange. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of storytelling, both in front of and behind the camera,” Babatope said. “Through our commitment to creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity, we aim to create films that entertain, enlighten, and empower audiences of all backgrounds. By championing diverse voices and perspectives, we seek to build bridges, spark dialogue and cultivate a more compassionate and connected world.”
With over 20 years of experience, Babatope has produced and executive produced more than 40 Nollywood titles. He previously secured deals with Disney, Netflix, Prime Video, and Warner Brothers through FilmOne Entertainment.