Nigerian film industry veteran Moses Babatope has unveiled Nile Media Entertainment Group, a new production and distribution studio that aims to transform African cinema.
The company, named after the Nile River, will focus on cultural representation, industrial excellence and sustainable practices. As co-founder of Film House Group and managing director of Film One Entertainment, Babatope has 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 Cinema, which offers luxury cinema experiences; Nile Motion Pictures, a production company for Nollywood films; Nile Studio Lab, a film village in Nigeria; and Nile Foundation, a corporate social responsibility arm focused on community development through film.
Babatope has assembled a female-led executive team for the project. Beulah Sokeno serves as Group CEO and COO, bringing over two decades of experience as a financial controller and production accountant across the UK, Nigeria and the US. Prior to joining Nile Group, Sokeno led the finance operations at Fleet River Productions Limited, where she directed the production of the second season of Netflix’s The Diplomat. Her extensive background includes work on independent film and pivotal roles at global organisations such as AAA Entertainment, FilmOne Entertainment and BBC.
Lulu Desalu joins the company as CEO, bringing 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 Rowley Craig is the Vice President of Production. Craig, a lawyer-turned-filmmaker, previously headed production at NdaniTV, where she co-produced hit films such as “Sugar Rush” and “Real Housewives of Lagos.” Her Netflix film “Glamour Girls” became the first Nigerian film to break into the global top 10.
Buki George Taylor has joined the company as Vice President 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 continent’s first travel app.
Nwekere Alexis C. Segun-Ojo completes the team as General Manager of Distribution and Marketing. With over 13 years of experience in public relations and brand strategy, Segun-Ojo, as General Manager of Nile Entertainment, has worked to formulate and implement the company’s strategic vision, contributing to the success of the highest grossing cinema marketing team in West Africa, executing high-profile campaigns for local and international films.
“Our vision for Nile Media Entertainment Group is to be a beacon of African stories, illuminating hearts and minds around the world with compelling films that celebrate diversity, inspire empathy, promote industry excellence, and foster cultural exchange. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of storytelling, both in front of and behind the camera,” said Babatope. “Through our commitment to creativity, sustainability, and inclusion, we aim to create films that entertain, enlighten, and empower audiences from 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 over 40 Nollywood films and has deals with Disney, Netflix, Prime Video and Warner Bros. through his Film One Entertainment company.