In a major step toward changing public perception of sickle cell anaemia, actor and filmmaker Emmanuel Ikubese has launched Mzigo (The Burden), a film dedicated to raising awareness about the disease and inspiring hope within the sickle cell community.
The film, which stars Daniel Etim Effiong, Seun Ajayi, and Tanzanian actress Elizabeth Michael, was premiered at a private screening in Lekki, Lagos, as part of a broader initiative called the Mzigo Project.
Ikubese said his passion for the project was born from personal loss after his cousin died of sickle cell complications in 2020. “I wanted to create something that breaks the silence, myths, and stigma surrounding sickle cell,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Ikubese explained that Mzigo — which means “burden” in Swahili — portrays the emotional, physical, and social weight carried by people living with the disease and their families.
“The idea is to use storytelling as a tool to change perceptions. This is not just a film; it’s advocacy. We want to inspire understanding and empathy. The burden is not only on the person with sickle cell but also on their entire family system,” he said.
He revealed that the film has screened at international festivals, including the Zanzibar International Film Festival in Tanzania and others in the United States, and has been nominated for an award in Abuja.
Dr. Benson Uzoma, Head of Patient Programs at Novartis Sub-Saharan Africa, described Mzigo as an innovative approach to disease awareness. “We found that one of the biggest gaps for people living with sickle cell is lack of awareness. Media is a powerful way to change that, and this film does it brilliantly,” he said.
Abayomi Ndulami, Communication Officer for the Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI), also praised the film. “We joined this project because it tells real stories. At SAMI, we have members who have lived with sickle cell into their 70s and 80s. The old narrative that people with sickle cell don’t live long is false. People live full, successful lives,” he said.
He added that the NGO works with medical experts and public advocates, providing counselling and education for families managing the condition.
Through Mzigo, Ikubese hopes to spark a new conversation about compassion, awareness, and inclusion for people living with sickle cell disease.
About the author
Tinubu doing well across key sectors, says Gowon
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has praised President Bola Tinubu’s performance, saying the administration is doing well across key sectors of national life.He spoke with State House correspondents after a private meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Gowon said his visit was to greet the President and thank him for the efforts being made to move the country forward.According to him, the government is working in political, economic and social areas, as well as in tackling security challenges. He acknowledged that Nigerians are facing difficulties but urged citizens to be patient and give the administration time for its reforms to yield fuller results.He added that it is too early to expect all problems to be solved, noting that major policy changes usually take time to reflect in people’s daily lives. Gowon encouraged Nigerians […]
Fuel price hike: Presidency faults Obi on strategic reserve proposal
The Presidency has rejected claims by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi that Nigeria’s rising fuel prices are mainly due to a lack of strategic petroleum reserves.It said Obi’s comments oversimplify a complex problem and ignore the deeper structural challenges that have long affected the country’s energy sector. In a statement shared on social media, presidential aide Dada Olusegun argued that recent increases in petrol prices are largely driven by global market forces, not the absence of strategic reserves.He noted that many advanced economies with large reserves still experience price swings because reserves are not used simply to stop normal market movements. Olusegun stressed that Nigeria’s main problem lies in decades of low refining capacity, heavy dependence on imported petrol, and pressure on the foreign exchange market.He said these long term issues make the country highly vulnerable whenever international […]
National Museum names Dufuna canoe, Lugard Bridge top heritage sites
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments has listed the ancient Dufuna canoe and Lugard’s Footbridge as two of Nigeria’s most important heritage sites.The commission said both sites reflect key phases in Nigeria’s history, from prehistoric innovation to the colonial era. The Dufuna canoe, discovered in 1987 near the village of Dufuna in Yobe State, is regarded as the oldest known boat in Africa and the second oldest in the world.Radiocarbon dating places the canoe at about 8,000 years old, showing that advanced boat-making and fishing activities existed in the region thousands of years ago. According to the commission, the canoe offers rare insight into early human settlement, transport, and trade along the Komadugu Gana River and surrounding communities.It described the artefact as a national and global treasure that strengthens Nigeria’s place in discussions on world archaeology and early technology. […]
Gavi ready to play for Barcelona after injury
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Spanish midfielder Gavi is ready to return to action after spending several months out with a knee injury.The 21 year old has received medical clearance and could feature for the first time since August in Barcelona’s next league match at Camp Nou. Gavi suffered a serious injury to the medial meniscus in his right knee last year and later underwent surgery, which kept him on the sidelines for around five months.He has since completed a rehabilitation programme and recently rejoined full group training with the rest of the squad. Flick explained that the club’s medical staff now consider Gavi fit enough to be reintegrated into competitive games, even if he only plays limited minutes at first.The coach added that the final decision on how many minutes he will get depends on how the match goes […]
Ejuke back in Sevilla training ahead of Barcelona clash
Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke has returned to full training with Sevilla ahead of their La Liga clash with Barcelona.The Nigerian missed Wednesday’s session due to a minor ailment but was back with the squad on Thursday, easing fears over his fitness. Reports from Spain say Ejuke took part in team drills and tactical work, indicating he is available for selection for the trip to Camp Nou.His return is a big boost for manager Matías Almeyda, who has been dealing with several injuries in the squad. Defenders Kike Salas and Marcao, as well as forward Peque, are still sidelined, but other players carrying minor knocks have also resumed training.This has slightly improved Sevilla’s options as they prepare for a difficult visit to the La Liga leaders. Ejuke has contributed one goal and one assist for Sevilla this season, adding pace […]
Akor Adams ready and motivated to face Barcelona
Super Eagles striker Akor Adams says he is highly motivated and looking forward to facing Barcelona in Sevilla’s upcoming La Liga clash.The Nigerian forward believes the game is another chance to make history and prove himself against one of the biggest clubs in world football. Adams recently ended a frustrating goal drought by scoring in Sevilla’s 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.He described the goal as a major confidence boost and said it has put him in a positive frame of mind ahead of the trip to Barcelona. Sevilla coach Matías Almeyda confirmed that Adams is in good spirits and fully focused on the task ahead.According to the coach, the striker is working hard in training and understands how important the match is for Sevilla’s season. Adams has been an important player for Sevilla this campaign, […]
Related
Veteran gospel singer Toun Soetan dies at 73
Veteran Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter Toun Soetan has died at the age of 73, leaving the Christian music community in deep mourning.Her death was confirmed in a family statement and by close associates on Friday, March 13, 2026. Toun Soetan, also known as Evangelist Shouet, was widely celebrated as the original composer of the popular Christian chorus Darling Jesus, a song that has been sung in churches across Nigeria and beyond for decades.Through this and many other songs, she built a strong legacy of worship music that touched generations of believers. Reports indicate that news of her passing was first shared on social media by family members and fellow ministers of the gospel.Tributes quickly began to pour in from fans, church leaders, gospel artistes, and colleagues who described her as a devoted minister and a consistent voice in gospel […]
Asake filmed struggling to touch Black Stone in Mecca
Afrobeats star Asake has been seen in a viral video struggling to touch the revered Black Stone at the Kaaba in Mecca during a religious visit.The singer, who recently shared clips of himself performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia, was surrounded by a large crowd of worshippers as he tried to reach the sacred spot. In the video, Asake is guided through the crowd toward the corner of the Kaaba where the Black Stone is located, but the heavy human traffic makes access difficult.At one point, he appears to gesture and speak with security personnel as he struggles to get closer, drawing mixed reactions from viewers online. The clip has sparked conversations on social media, with some fans expressing excitement at seeing the singer on pilgrimage and others debating his conduct in such a sacred and tightly controlled area.Many users also […]
Toyin Abraham opens up on impact of her political choice
Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has spoken about how her open political support during the 2023 elections has affected her life and career.She explained that her public stance, especially her support for President Bola Tinubu, attracted heavy criticism and online bullying from some Nigerians. According to her, many social media users have repeatedly attacked her over the state of the country and demanded that she reveal the promises she said were made to her about good governance.She noted that the backlash sometimes extends to her family, particularly her children, which she described as painful and unfair. Toyin Abraham stressed that she is an actress and filmmaker, not a politician or government official, and should not be held responsible for government actions.She added that, like every other citizen, she only exercised her right to support a candidate and make a personal political […]
Top five films to watch in Nigerian cinemas this weekend
Movie lovers in Nigeria have a rich mix of action, drama, comedy, and romance to enjoy in cinemas this weekend.From new Nollywood releases to gripping thrillers and emotional stories, there is something for every type of viewer. One of the key highlights is Onobiren, a Nollywood drama that follows Roli, a young woman from Warri whose move to Lagos forces her to confront tradition and expectations.The film explores themes of resilience, identity, and womanhood and features performances from Ruby Akubueze, Patience Ozokwor, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bisola Aiyeola, Norbert Young, and others. Headless is another strong option for viewers who enjoy thrillers with social commentary.The movie follows a film producer who is arrested after a human head is found in his car, leading to an investigation that raises questions about crime, influence, and hidden power networks. For fans of emotional family stories, […]
2026 Oscars: full list of key nominees
The 98th Academy Awards will hold on March 15, with courtroom drama “Sinners” leading this year’s Oscars race on a record 16 nominations, followed by war epic “One Battle After Another” with 13. The main categories are dominated by a mix of studio blockbusters and acclaimed international titles, including “Hamnet”, “Frankenstein”, “Bugonia” and Brazilian thriller “The Secret Agent”. Below is the full list of nominees in the key categories: Best Picture Sinners One Battle After Another Bugonia F1 Frankenstein Hamnet Marty Supreme Sentimental Value The Secret Agent Train Dreams Best Director Ryan Coogler – Sinners Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another Yorgos Lanthimos – Bugonia Chloé Zhao – Hamnet Guillermo del Toro – Frankenstein Best Actor Michael B. Jordan – Sinners Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon […]
Omolara: My music is a call to worship and miracles
Gospel singer Omolara has described her songs as a call to deep worship and a channel through which God works miracles in people’s lives. She says her entire music ministry is centred on ushering listeners into God’s presence, where they can experience healing, restoration and answered prayers. Omolara explains that many of her songs come as “divine downloads” through dreams and direct encounters with the word of God. According to her, this makes her compositions more than entertainment, turning them into tools for preaching the gospel, strengthening faith and pointing people to the power of Jesus. The singer, who has released worship projects such as “Ise Oluwa” and other Yoruba and multilingual gospel songs, says she deliberately blends African rhythms with global gospel sounds to reach a wider audience. She believes that when people truly focus on God in worship, miracles naturally […]