**Nollywood Pioneers: Celebrating the Women Who Built the Nigerian Film Industry** As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate International Women's Day, PREMIUM TIMES takes a look at the extraordinary women who played a pivotal role in shaping the country's film industry, Nollywood. From its humble beginnings to its current global acclaim, women have been at the forefront of Nollywood's evolution, leaving an indelible mark on its growth and development. We begin with the pioneers who laid the foundation for Nollywood. One of the earliest and most influential figures is Taiwo Ajai-Lycett. Born in 1941, Ajai-Lycett trained in theatre in the UK before returning to Nigeria during the 1970s cultural renaissance. Her career spanned stage, television, and film, with notable roles in influential TV dramas like "Village Headmaster," "Ripples," and "Checkmate." Not only did she act, but she also helped professionalise performance culture in Nigeria by mentoring younger performers and advocating for cultural policies that support creative industries. Another trailblazer is Joke Silva, a graduate of the University of Lagos who began her acting career in the 1980s. With a career spanning over three decades, Silva has become a household name, starring in numerous films and TV series. Her transition from television to film marked a significant milestone in Nollywood's growth, paving the way for future generations of actors and actresses. Other notable women who built Nollywood include Amaka Igwe, a renowned director and producer who played a crucial role in the industry's transition from VHS-driven home videos to digital streaming. Her company, Amaka Igwe Productions, produced some of Nollywood's most iconic films, including "Jewel of Destiny" and " Reloaded." Igwe's contributions to Nollywood's growth and development cannot be overstated. In the next part of this series, we will explore the contributions of other women who built Nollywood, including Lola Fani-Kayode, Funke Akindele, and 17 other trailblazers who have left an indelible mark on the industry. Their stories of resilience, creativity, and business acumen will inspire and motivate a new generation of women in the film industry.