Abdulazeem M Ibrahim, Ijapari Ben-Hirki, Ahmad Isa, Tomi Ojo, Olugu Devine Udoka, Augustine Gilbert Gotar, Rikadawa Rabiu Mohammed, Paul Sambo, Mbasity Julius Jesse, Musa Muhammed Abdullahi, Abdallah Rabiu Rikadawa, Nadia Peter, Aisha Baba, Fortune Joshua Fadahson, Nadia Dutch, Ibrahim Saleh, Rejoice Warat Marcus
Famous Odion Iraoya
1h 34mins
Prime Video
In the landscape of Nigerian music during the 1980s, a pivotal moment emerged with the release of Goody K. Obi’s single, “Wetin Dey For Sokoto, E Dey For Sókótó.” Though not widely recognized at the time, the song quickly became symbolic, particularly among Nigerians reflecting on the search for opportunity abroad versus discovering value at home. Originally, the lyrics discouraged those yearning to leave Nigeria from returning after the country’s anticipated revival. Over the years, the phrase embedded itself in the cultural consciousness as a gentle reminder not to overlook what we already possess.
Now, decades later, that core message resurfaces with renewed energy in the film “Finding Nina.”
Journey from Childhood Memories to Lost Identity
The film opens at the dawn of the 2000s in Northern Nigeria, where Jabir (Abdallah Rabiu Rikadawa as young Jabir) develops a fascination with his father’s camera—a subtle but powerful nod to heritage and memory. During this formative chapter, Jabir’s closest companion is Nina (Nadia Peter), whose friendship serves as an anchor amid cultural change.
Fast-forward to the present, Jabir (now played by Abdulazeem M Ibrahim) resides in Lagos, thriving as a professional photographer but growing ever more alienated from his roots. The city’s relentless pace has severed his ties to childhood, culture, and even his mother tongue. And yet, nostalgia for Nina—now Ijapari Ben-Hirki—remains a persistent thread in his life, compelling him toward unfinished business.
In the vibrant art scene of Lagos, Jabir crosses paths with Raiyah (Tomi Ojo), a passionate gallery owner with eyes only for him, despite being pursued by Gbenga (Olugu Devine Udoka), who fails to win her affection.
The Art, the Politics, and the Restless Soul
Jabir embodies the archetype of a tortured artist, often refusing commercial gains as he struggles to reconcile his desire for artistic truth with the pressures of the modern world. His frustration is also fuelled by the frequent negative portrayals of Northern Nigeria in the media and popular art—depictions he feels are both shallow and unfair.
Encouraged by Raiyah and his supportive friend Fred (Augustine Gilbert Gotar), Jabir embarks on a journey back to Dankwella village. His mission: to capture and showcase the real essence of Northern Nigeria, challenging stereotypes of backwardness and stagnation—an ambition that mirrors the calls for cultural reawakening across the region.
During his travels, Jabir is guided by Ahmad Isa, a young Almajiri (Islamic student), who offers a native’s perspective of the region. Their partnership not only opens Jabir’s eyes to the everyday realities of Northern life but also raises questions about persistent stereotypes.
Along the way, Jabir experiences a fleeting reunion with Nina, but she slips away, leaving him only a ring as a clue. He then seeks guidance from a local ring maker, Na Garinku (Musa Muhammed), whose warnings urge caution in pursuit of lost things, invoking traditional wisdom amid modern confusion.
Unwilling to accept defeat, Jabir presses on. Ultimately, he finds Nina. Their reconnection, fueled by shared childhood memories and a sense of destiny, forces Jabir to confront an impossible choice—cling to the past, or step bravely into an uncertain future.
A Fresh Lens on the North—But How Deep Does It Go?
In a Nigerian film industry often preoccupied with the glitz of Lagos or romantic melodramas, “Finding Nina” stands out for its contemplation of Northern identity and its gentle insistence on the region’s humanity. According to local viewers and critics, the film is praised for avoiding the clichés of forced accents, generic costumes, and artificially crafted landscapes that have historically plagued Nollywood’s portrayals of the North.
However, critical voices—such as Abuja-based film analyst Chukwuma Eze—observe that, beyond its beautiful costumes and vibrant cultural scenes, “Finding Nina” sometimes misses opportunities to dig deeper. The day-to-day nuances, rituals, and complexities of culture, tradition, or religious practice are left unexplored, leaving certain stereotypes unchallenged. For example, Abdul, the Almajiri guide, is sympathetically depicted, yet the film does not tackle the common misconception of Almajiris as mere beggars—an issue highlighted in advocacy campaigns such as UNICEF’s 2021 “Educate The North” initiative.
The film often refers to “the riots” and their tragic aftermath, but stops short of naming or analyzing these crises. For many viewers familiar with the region’s history, this felt like a missed opportunity for honest storytelling and advocacy.
At a pivotal moment, Na Garinku, the ring maker, imparts a Hausa proverb: “A chicken ignorantly sleeps hungry while lying on a bag of food.” This thoughtful line underscores one of the film’s central themes—searching far and wide for solutions or love, when answers may be closer than we realise.
Urban Migration, Commerce, and Missed Stories
The realities of urban migration, especially from the North to Lagos and other economic hubs, are lightly touched upon. Experts such as Dr. Fatima Bello, urban sociologist at Ahmadu Bello University, have noted that such trends reshape economies and challenge local cultures. Similarly, Northern Nigeria’s role in agronomy and its impact on national commerce could have deepened the film’s message—but these threads remain largely unpulled.
Nevertheless, the film succeeds in prompting viewers to reconsider their perceptions of the North. By returning to the roots of the proverb “wetin dey for Sokoto dey for sókótó,” “Finding Nina” reminds audiences that sometimes, in our search for meaning or success, what we truly seek has been within reach all along.
Audience Reception and Nollywood’s Next Steps
Upon its release on Prime Video, “Finding Nina” has attracted attention not just in Nigeria, but across West Africa and the African diaspora. Reactions have been mostly positive, with many applauding the film’s authenticity and the performances of its largely Northern cast. However, others—such as everyday viewers in Kano and Kaduna—have encouraged Nollywood to move beyond surface representation and tackle the region’s contemporary challenges head-on.
The film’s rating stands at a respectable 7/10, reflecting both its success in telling a heartfelt story and its limitations in capturing the full depth of regional experience. For those curious about the evolving face of Nigerian cinema, “Finding Nina” is a step in the right direction.
As the conversations around Nollywood’s portrayal of diverse cultures grow louder, it remains to be seen how filmmakers will deliver richer, more nuanced stories, especially from regions often overlooked or misunderstood.
What local stories or themes would you like to see Nollywood explore next? Are Nigerian films like “Finding Nina” changing your perspective on different regions?” Drop your thoughts in the comment section and follow us for more insightful reviews and entertainment updates!
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