In an exclusive conversation, Lilian Olubi, founder and CEO of Gold Lilies Global Services and executive producer of ‘Osamede,’ a historical epic inspired by a Benin heroine, reveals her vision and journey in transforming a stage play into a cinematic experience.
Inspired by her Edo heritage and admiration for powerful female figures, Olubi shared that ‘Osamede’ began as a stage play, deeply rooted in the rich legacy of the Benin Kingdom. “I wanted to tell the story of a courageous woman who made sacrifices for her community,” she said. “It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about leading change in our communities.”
After enthusiastic audiences embraced the stage production across 12 showings in 2021 and 2022, Olubi decided to expand it into a film. “With the film, we could capture the larger narrative of the British invasion of Benin and ongoing issues of cultural restitution,” Olubi said, explaining how the project evolved to explore themes that resonate with Nigeria’s national identity.
Transitioning ‘Osamede’ from stage to screen came with challenges, particularly financial ones, as the film demanded 12 to 15 times the budget of the stage version. Olubi, with her expertise in finance, managed to assemble a talented team, especially director James Omokwe, known for Cheta’m, who fully embraced her vision and brought cinematic depth to the story. Reflecting on her approach, she noted, “It’s the same principles—vision, structure, market potential, capital raise. We applied these business fundamentals to film.”
Lilian Olubi Aims to Bridge the Financing Gap in Nigeria
With over two decades in finance, Olubi views Nigeria’s film industry as a largely untapped resource with transformative economic potential. “As Nigerians, storytelling is in our DNA. From ancient oral traditions to modern filmmaking, we’re built for this,” she said. She sees Nollywood as a “gold mine” for job creation and economic growth, yet acknowledges the financing gap that holds it back.
Determined to bridge this gap, Olubi aims to empower Nigerian filmmakers to access capital by bringing in investors who recognise Nollywood’s unique cultural value. Reflecting on her journey to financing ‘Osamede,’ she noted the distinction between selling financial products and pitching a creative idea.
“With film, you’re asking investors to trust an idea and believe in its potential,” she said. Olubi attributes her success in funding ‘Osamede’ to the trust she’s built over years in finance. “People invested because they trusted my background and transparency, even if I was new to film.”
In her new role, Olubi envisions herself as a bridge between the creative and financial worlds. “Capital allocators may not fully understand the storytelling realm, and creatives often don’t speak the language of finance. I can translate between both worlds,” she explained, hoping to make funding accessible to Nigerian storytellers.
‘Osamede’ is only the beginning of what Olubi aims to achieve in Nollywood. Her financial expertise and passion for Nigerian storytelling uniquely position her to drive change. Beyond producing, she plans to help creatives secure capital, manage film financing, and support investor relations. “The film industry is more than entertainment; it’s a source of national pride and economic strength,” Olubi emphasised.
Her commitment to a sustainable, commercially viable Nollywood that resonates locally and internationally is clear. By empowering storytellers and promoting financial discipline, she hopes to elevate Nigerian cinema to a global powerhouse, celebrating African culture and contributing to economic growth.
