U.S. Mission’s Creative Workshop Empowers Young Nigerian Filmmakers — Dimbo Atiya

Award-winning Abuja-based filmmaker, Dimbo Atiya, has described the recent U.S. Mission–supported creative engagement in Abuja as a strategic mix of cultural diplomacy and capacity building aimed at empowering young Nigerians in the creative industry.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Atiya, who identified himself as a friend of the U.S. Missions in Nigeria, said his presence was strictly as a stakeholder and guest, following an invitation extended to him in recognition of his contributions to the film industry.

The recognition took place on Wednesday in Abuja at an event organised by the U.S. Consulate to celebrate creativity and strengthen cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and the United States.

Winners announced at the event included Rasheedat Fagbenle, who emerged as the grand prize winner, as well as Tito Abumere, Janefrancis Odinkemma Ugwu from Abuja, Cyril Usheshe from Cross River State, and Timileyin Durotoye from Osun State.

“As a filmmaker and stakeholder, I was invited to be part of the event as a guest. It was quite impressive to see what was put together,” Atiya said.

Commenting on the focus of the programme, Atiya noted that although the initiative was clearly driven by U.S. diplomatic interests, it also created meaningful opportunities for Nigerian creatives.

“One thing you must understand about American diplomacy is that they will always promote America first. That is their agenda,” he explained. “But in doing that, they also found a way to impact young Nigerians, especially in areas like skit-making, which is what is trending globally right now.”

He explained that the workshop placed strong emphasis on vertical production, a fast-growing format in film and television content creation, particularly for digital and social media platforms.

“Vertical productions are the way forward in today’s film and television space. Helping young people understand this format is important, and naturally, if the Americans are sponsoring it, they want their niche reflected in it,” Atiya added.

The filmmaker also acknowledged that the initiative served as a platform to showcase American-made products and ideas, some of which were previously unknown to many participants.

“Through initiatives like this, there is awareness. You get to recognize products and ideas you didn’t even know originated from the U.S. That is how trade promotion works,” he said.

Also speaking, Lee McManis, Country Public Diplomacy Counsellor at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, said the contest was designed to promote deeper economic and cultural relations between the United States and Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to economic partnership with Nigeria, noting that over 100 major American companies currently operate in the country.

According to him, the growing economic relationship continues to generate mutual benefits for both nations.

“This contest is more than a showcase of American products and brands. It is a celebration of the enduring partnership between the United States and Nigeria—a partnership built on commerce, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to progress,” McManis said.

Reacting to her win, the grand prize recipient, 21-year-old Rasheedat Fagbenle, a final-year student of Political Science at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, expressed excitement and gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a major encouragement for her creative journey.