- Source: Toluwani Obayan
Toluwani Obayan Osibe (born 13 August 1990) is a Nigerian screenwriter, director, and author active in the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood. She gained recognition for her work on Ponzi (2021), a satirical film exploring Nigeria’s economic challenges, This Lady Called Life (2020), and Something Like Gold (2023). Osibe has also directed the short film Heart & Might and is the author of the book Becoming A Spectacular Woman (2018).
Early Life and Education
Toluwani Obayan Osibe was born in Ilorin, Nigeria, to Adetokunbo and Aize Obayan. She has a younger brother, Joshua Obayan, and her heritage includes a mix of Nigerian cultures, with her father from Kogi State, her mother from Edo State, and her paternal grandmother from Abia State. From 1996 to 1999, her family lived in England.
Toluwani completed a degree in Mass Communication at Covenant University in 2012, followed by a master’s degree in Film and Television Studies from the University of Portsmouth, England, in 2014.
Career
Toluwani's career in Nollywood began as a video editor with the production company Wale Adenuga Productions.
Her directorial debut came with Heart & Might (2017), a short film that honors the unsung heroes in the fight against Boko Haram, highlighting the resilience and sacrifices of those affected by the insurgency. Later in 2017, she joined The Other News, as a staff writer and became the Head Writer in 2019. She made a notable contribution as a screenwriter with This Lady Called Life (2020), a story of a single mother balancing personal dreams and societal expectations. She was awarded the Best of Nollywood (BON) Award (Best Screenplay) and an Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Award (AMVCA) nomination for Best Writer.
In 2021, she wrote Ponzi, a satirical comedy that explores the impact of financial schemes on everyday Nigerians, showcasing her range in blending humor with social commentary. Her recent work, Something Like Gold (2023), continues her exploration of diverse themes within Nollywood. Currently, she is in the process of directing her debut feature film under the First Features initiative by Native Filmworks.
Recognition and Influence
Toluwani Obayan Osibe has been featured in various articles in Nigeria and internationally, where her work and contributions are recognized.She also supports the development of future voices in Nigerian cinema, participating in initiatives aimed at empowering emerging filmmakers and writers.
Personal Life
Toluwani is married to Jeremiah Osibe, an actuarial analyst and author of Village Man and City Man. His books explore Nigerian life, offering nuanced perspectives on daily experiences in Nigeria. Together, they focus on living in alignment with their Christian faith and openly express their dedication to their beliefs. They are involved in creative and community-based initiatives within Nigeria, supporting African storytelling and advocating for emerging talent across the continent.
Filmography
Heart & Might (2017)
The Other News (2017-2019)
This Lady Called Life (2020)
Ponzi (2021)
Something Like Gold (2023)
Awards and recognitions
References
External links
Toluwani Obayan at IMDb
Kata Kunci Pencarian:
- Toluwani Obayan
- Aize Obayan
- Ponzi (film)
- This Lady Called Life
- Something Like Gold
- List of Nigerian screenwriters
- 2022 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards
