Chief Executive Officer of Accelerate Media Group Colette Otusheso, has premiered a six-part documentary, The Decolonisation of Africa, which she described as “a declaration” aimed at elevating African voices and history through authentic storytelling.
The premiere, held at The Metropolitan Club in Lagos, attracted top dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, and President of the Club, Fola Adeola.
Otusheso, who served as the executive producer, said in a statement that the project was born from a powerful conversation with Obasanjo and driven by the late businessman Herbert Wigwe’s belief in empowering Africans to tell their own stories.
“This project began with a deep sense of purpose. Meeting former President Obasanjo opened my eyes to how important it is that this story be told—and told properly,” Otusheso said. “Dr. Herbert Wigwe believed in the power of storytelling to shape identity and preserve legacy. That belief continues to guide us.”
She described the documentary as a careful collaboration of vision and historical integrity.
Otusheso revealed that she enlisted Ed Keazor, a respected historian and researcher, to frame the documentary’s narrative to ensure accuracy and depth.
“I knew we needed depth and credibility, and Emeka brought both. His research helped frame the story in a way that’s insightful and accessible,” she added.
Further, Otusheso noted that her desire to connect with younger audiences led to tapping a young Nigerian director, Bardia Olowu, to interpret history with what she called “creative boldness”.
The film weaves rare archival footage, personal interviews, and untold stories of key liberation leaders to paint a comprehensive portrait of Africa’s fight for independence and its ongoing journey toward full liberation.
“This is more than a documentary—it’s a declaration. A tribute to our shared legacy and a call to continue building a future where African voices are heard, respected, and celebrated,” Otusheso remarked.
Obasanjo, who inspired the project’s direction, stated that Africa must go beyond symbolic independence to achieve complete economic, social, and psychological liberation.
“If America can lead the white race and China the Chinese, then Nigeria is destined to lead the black race,” the former president declared.
Further, president of the Metropolitan Club Adeola hailed the documentary as “a timely and important reminder of Africa’s resilience”, while Anyaoku praised Obasanjo’s leadership in ending apartheid and promoting democracy on the continent.
Otusheso paid tribute to the late Wigwe, co-founder and former Group CEO of Access Holdings, whom she acknowledged as supporting to make the documentary possible. She also commended Access Bank for its support of cultural preservation.
According to the CEO, the documentary, set for wider release in the coming months, is part of Accelerate Media Group’s ongoing mission to amplify African narratives globally.
