MTN joins forces with Omoni Oboli to launch seven Christmas films on YouTube

MTN Nigeria has teamed up with filmmaker and actress Omoni Oboli to launch seven Christmas films. This collaboration aims to make Nigerian content more accessible and support the country's creative industry through digital means.

The films, produced by Omoni Oboli TV, were revealed at a Christmas Movie Mixer hosted by MTN Nigeria at its rooftop venue in Lagos.

The event gathered filmmakers, actors, content creators, and other industry players to celebrate Nigerian storytelling and the upcoming holiday season.

During the event, there was a fireside chat featuring Omoni and Barene Jankovich-Besan, a YouTube consultant and independent adviser. Sir Kenn moderated the session.

Idowu Adesokan, General Manager, Consumer Segments at MTN Nigeria, spoke at the event. He said the partnership shows MTN's commitment to supporting the creative economy and creating opportunities for Nigerian talent.

Mr Adesokan noted that working with Omoni Oboli TV and MTN's partnership with YouTube connects audiences with locally produced content and helps creators reach wider audiences.

“At MTN, we know that connectivity is more than just internet access. It boosts creativity, innovation, and economic chances. We see big potential in Nigeria’s creative industry to entertain, create jobs, and share our stories globally,” he said.

Omoni mentioned that this partnership would make it easier for audiences to enjoy her films, especially through MTN’s YouTube data bundles that cut down streaming costs.

The Edo-born actress explained that keeping costs low matters to filmmakers. Wider access to films can lead to more viewers and higher earnings.

“With MTN bundles, you can watch a whole film for just a few hundred naira. That makes me happy because I can tell my audience we have a new movie, and they don’t need to spend too much,” she said.

Omoni connected the financial success of online films to the livelihoods of those in the industry. This includes actors and production crew.

She said that more viewers and advertising money allow creators to invest in new films and hire more talent.

“The more people watch, the more money creators earn, and the more money they earn, the more people we can support. I can bring in more actors for my films. So, I’m helping others too,” she said.

Omoni described filmmaking as a serious business. She said many people depend on the success of these productions. Her work carries responsibilities beyond just personal success.

“It’s not a joke. It’s serious work. There are people here who rely on this for their daily bread. That’s how they pay rent and feed their families.

“For me, I see it as almost a ministry. It’s not just a job. It’s very serious because many lives are connected to mine. So I must succeed,” she said.

During the fireside chat, Jankovich-Besan pointed out that the emotional appeal of Nollywood films is one reason for their popularity.

She said themes like love, betrayal, romance, and success draw viewers in and spark discussions about characters and their choices, making a bigger impact beyond just entertainment.

She also noted the growing international audience for Nigerian films. More viewers outside Africa are engaging with content from the continent.

Ms Jankovich-Besan shared figures suggesting that “between 30 and 40 percent of the viewership of some movies came from audiences outside Africa.”

She described this trend as a significant sign of the potential for Nigerian storytelling to reach audiences worldwide.

On the partnership between MTN and YouTube, she explained that promotional campaigns include content from creators’ YouTube channels to attract more viewers to their platforms.

The YouTube consultant said this approach involves showing creators’ channel names in promotional materials, helping viewers find and subscribe to their channels.

“We want to make sure that the channel name is there so we can drive traffic to the creator channels on YouTube. Our success would be if those channels grow and gain more subscribers,” she said.

Ms Jankovich-Besan also mentioned affordability and access to good devices as challenges to digital growth in Nigeria.

When asked about increasing YouTube viewership in the country, she said the platform’s recommendation system is shaped by users’ viewing habits and interests.

She added that creators can help grow their channels by urging audiences to like their videos and subscribe.

Omoni shared that the Christmas films were inspired by values tied to the holiday season, like family, love, forgiveness, togetherness, and connection.

She said Christmas is a time for people to pause from their busy lives, reconnect with family, and reflect on relationships.

“It’s a time for family. It’s a time for togetherness. It’s time for sharing. It’s a time for caring. It’s when we remember our humanity,” she said.

The 48-year-old actress also revealed that making seven films for Christmas would have been harder without MTN’s support.

She described herself as a Christmas movie lover who enjoys watching films during the festive season. The chance to create seven titles was an expansion of her passion.

The productions include Seasoned With Love, Christmas on Budget, Memories on the Rooftop, Promise Me December, A Bride for the Season, Christmas Between Worlds, and Short Sweet 2.

During the talk, Omoni mentioned she looks forward to major cinema projects in 2027. This suggests her collaboration with MTN could continue for future films.