To Adaego With Love is a historical romantic drama set around 1975–1976, a few years after the end of the Nigerian Civil War. In a country still trying to heal, a forbidden romance grows between Adaego, an Igbo schoolteacher, and Major Bala, a Nigerian army officer stationed in the East as part of post-war “reconciliation” efforts.
Their relationship builds in a community where memories of violence are still raw. Adaego’s family is still grieving the loss of their family member to soldiers. They distrust the army. As Adaego and Bala fall in love, they are forced to deal with the impact of history, social pressure, and their own fears of betrayal.
Movie Title: To Adaego with Love
Year of Release: 2025
Release Date: November 4, 2025 (Nigeria)
Directed by: Amaka Okoro
Written & Produced by: Brenda Ogbukaa-Garuba
Co-Producers: Lorenzo Menakaya and Emil Biobelemoye Garuba
Executive Producer: Tony B. Adesina
Director of Photography (DOP): Iloduba Ifeanyi Victor
Line Producer: Mnena (Cutest_Mnena)
Music by: Onyebeat
Assistant Director (AD 1): Efe Diana
Assistant Director (AD 2): Felix Amadi a.k.a. Nollywood Last Born
Production Manager: Ismaila Adaba Musa
Script Supervisor: Engratia A.
Costume Designer: Sogie Efe Guobadia (Husky Makeover)
Makeup Artist: Tobi The Artist
Sound Designer/Mixer: Jonathan Ainwokhai
Production Design: Chima Temple Adighije
Editor & Colourist: Mundi A.K
Production Companies: Ziva Works Ltd in association with Tade Production House
Main Cast:
- Chisom Gabriella Agoawuike – plays Adaego, an Igbo schoolteacher
- Adam Garba – plays Major Bala/Balarabe, a Nigerian soldier
- Bob-Manuel Udokwu – Adaego’s father
- Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha
- Ken Erics
- Tonia Chukwurah
- Riyo David
- Demi Banwo
- Sydney Diala
- Lorenzo Menakaya
- Franka Igwe (Igwe Chikaodili Franka)
- Alfred “Six Foot Plus” Atungu
- Onyeka Onwenu – appears as Adaego’s grandmother, in one of her final screen roles. May she continue to rest in peace.
Running Time: Not specified
Age Rating: Not specified
Country: Nigeria
Language: English and Igbo
Genre: Drama, Romance, Historical-Reconciliation
Note: To Adaego With Love has already picked up major awards at The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) including Best Feature Film and Best Screenwriting.
