While Nollywood’s biggest stars and directors often bask in the spotlight, the brilliance of the writers who craft these unforgettable stories rarely gets the recognition it deserves.

In 2024, these screenwriters delivered some of the most compelling narratives that captivated audiences and dominated the box office.

Tunde Babalola – Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Tunde Babalola, a seasoned screenwriter known for iconic works like October 1 and Citation, returned this year with the biopic Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.

Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, the film has set a new benchmark for Nollywood biopics, bagging awards for Best Screenplay and Best Film at the African Film Festival (AFRIFF) in 2023.

Babalola also collaborated on Netflix’s epic House of Ga’a, further cementing his reputation as a master storyteller.

Jack’enneth Opukeme – Farmer’s Bride
Jack’enneth Opukeme, a rising force in Nollywood, brought his storytelling to life in Farmer’s Bride.

Co-directing the film with Adebayo Tijani, Opukeme showcased his versatility as both a writer and director.

His journey, which began with theatre productions at the University of Calabar, has evolved into a successful career, with works like Adire and Battle on Buka Street under his belt.

Anthony Kehinde Joseph – Queen Lateefah
Anthony Kehinde Joseph, the mind behind hits like Bling Lagosians and Merry Men, delivered a gripping tale of deception and ambition in Queen Lateefah.

The film dives into the struggles of living a fake life in Lagos, reinforcing Joseph’s ability to craft relatable and thought-provoking narratives.

Dare Olaitan and Stephen Okonkwo – Ajosepo
The comedy-drama Ajosepo brought the combined brilliance of Dare Olaitan and Stephen Okonkwo to the big screen.

Olaitan, celebrated for Ojukokoro and Knockout Blessing, joined forces with Okonkwo, known for Soole and Obara’m.

Together, they created a story that explores family dynamics and cultural nuances, keeping audiences hooked for four consecutive weeks as the highest-grossing film at the Nigerian box office.

Cheta Chukwu – The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3
Cheta Chukwu added another feather to his cap with The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3, released on October 18, 2024.

A writer-director with international acclaim, Chukwu’s previous works, including Payday and Strawberry Chinny, have been widely recognized.

His acceptance into the prestigious Torino Film Lab’s Extended Writer-Director Program in the Netherlands signals his growing influence on the global stage.

From biopics to comedy-dramas, these writers have proven that the true magic of cinema often begins on the page.

Their creativity and dedication continue to elevate Nollywood’s storytelling, leaving audiences eager for more.