To Adaego with Love Premieres in Lagos Ahead of Nationwide Cinema Release

Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution
8 hours ago
3 min read

The highly anticipated romantic period drama To Adaego with Love premiered in Lagos at the prestigious Alliance Française, Ikoyi on February 1, 2026. The old-school themed event drew a distinguished audience of actors, film enthusiasts, industry stakeholders, and the media, dressed in iconic 1970s fashion in homage to the film’s era and thematic setting.

The Cast and Crew of To Adaego with Love observe a moment of silence for the late actress and singer, Onyeka Onwenu, at the Lagos premiere. — The Cast and Crew of *To Adaego with Love* observe a moment of silence for the late actress and singer, Onyeka Onwenu, at the Lagos premiere.

Directed by Nwamaka Chikezie and written and produced by Brenda Ogbukaa-Garuba, To Adaego with Love is set in 1975 and explores love across deep societal divides. The film follows Adaego, a young Igbo schoolteacher, who falls in love with Major Balarabe Alkali, a Hausa soldier stationed in post–Biafra War Enugu. Tasked with supporting reconciliation efforts between the Nigerian military government and the Igbo community, Major Alkali faces resistance from the local community. His unexpected bond with Adaego offers hope and purpose until unforeseen events threaten to upend their relationship and put the true strength of their love to the ultimate test.

"I wanted to tell a global story that would travel. So that was what I did, (I told) a love story that would be accepted everywhere in the world." - Brenda Ogbukaa-Garuba, Writer and Producer.

Actors Chisom Agoawuike (Adaego) and Adam Garba (Major Balarabe Alkali) at the Lagos premiere of To Adaego with Love. — Actors Chisom Agoawuike (Adaego) and Adam Garba (Major Balarabe Alkali) at the Lagos premiere of *To Adaego with Love*.

To Adaego with Love first premiered in 2025 at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), where it earned a remarkable six nominations at the 2025 AFRIFF Globe Awards, winning Best Feature Film and Best Screenplay. Ahead of its Lagos premiere, the film held an exclusive debut in Abuja on January 11, 2026, receiving early acclaim from audiences and industry stakeholders. Speaking with Nollywire at the Lagos premiere, writer and producer Brenda Ogbukaa-Garuba shared the inspiration behind the project: “I wanted to tell a global story that would travel. So that was what I did, (I told) a love story that would be accepted everywhere in the world."

The Lagos premiere drew an impressive lineup of Nollywood heavyweights, including veteran actor Bob Manuel Udokwu and star actress Chioma Chukwuka, who portray Adaego’s parents in the film. Other notable guests included Shawn Faqua, Ifeanyi Kalu, Wale Ojo, BBN S5 Winner Laycon, and Chude Jidenowo, among many others. A solemn highlight of the evening was a one-minute silence observed in honour of the late actress and singer Onyeka Onwenu, who appeared in the film. The tribute was further marked by the presence of her son, painter Abraham “Abe” Ogunlende, who was invited on stage to represent his mother as the cast and crew took their bow. To Adaego with Love marks the final screen appearance of the celebrated performer prior to her passing in 2024, further cementing the film’s place in cinematic history.