According to a revelation shared by renowned gospel filmmaker Mike Bamiloye on his X (formerly Twitter) account, the story of AGBARA NLA is far more than the making of a film—it is a powerful testimony of a vision tested by loss, sustained by faith, and ultimately fulfilled by divine timing.
The journey began in 1987 during the National Festival of Christian Drama (HARVEST ’87), organized by Mount Zion Faith Ministries at the GOFAMINT International Gospel Centre in Ojoo, Ibadan. At the event, drama leaders and coordinators were gathered and presented with a bold vision—to produce what would become the first Nigerian Christian movie. The idea was received with enthusiasm, and plans were immediately set in motion.
A script titled “AGBARA TO JU AGBARA LO” was written, and rehearsals commenced at Oritamefa Baptist Church, Total Garden, Ibadan. Participants came from across the country, including students and drama ministers from institutions such as UNILAG, the University of Ibadan, Ogun State University, and the College of Education in Ilesa, alongside various church drama groups. The atmosphere was charged with unity, passion, and a shared sense of purpose.
Filming began in Apete Village, Ibadan, and after intense effort and sacrifice, the production was completed. However, in a devastating turn of events, the cameraman—who had been involved throughout the process—disappeared with all the recorded tapes. Every attempt to recover the footage proved futile. The project, which had consumed so much time and energy, was lost. The vision was forced into silence.
Years later, in 1993, after the ministry had grown and recorded several successful productions, the vision resurfaced. This time, it came as a prompting of the Holy Spirit to revisit the project. The script was rewritten, and production resumed—now as a television serial.
Filming took place in Badeku Village, Ibadan, with support coming from various quarters. A Foursquare Gospel Church pastor provided five thousand naira to secure camera equipment, while Reverend Idowu Animashawun of World Hope Mission hosted the team throughout the production. With Kayode Oyebode (Oju Oluwa-Kay Technical) serving as cameraman and technical director, the project was successfully completed.
The result was AGBARA NLA, which aired across television stations in Western Nigeria, marking a triumphant revival of what was once thought lost.
In 1994, the vision expanded further following another divine instruction—to produce an English-language version titled “ULTIMATE POWER.” This adaptation extended the reach of the story to audiences in Eastern and Northern Nigeria and beyond, amplifying its impact.
Decades later, the journey continues. In 2025, a remake of the iconic production is underway. The project is rewritten and directed by Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and produced by Chris Odeh, with joint sponsorship from Mount Zion Films, Sozo Films, and Circuit-TV. The remake signals a new phase, positioning the story for a global audience.
As shared by Mike Bamiloye, the story of AGBARA NLA stands as a profound reminder that divine visions do not die. They may face setbacks, delays, and even apparent loss, but in due time, they are revived and fulfilled.
From its humble beginnings in 1987 to its re-emergence on the global stage, AGBARA NLA remains a testament to faith, perseverance, and the unwavering purpose of God.
