Dear Ajayi's national selection begins another stage of the Oscar process

Nigeria selected Dear Ajayi as its submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, Punch reported on October 6. The Nigerian Official Selection Committee announced the choice after considering eligible entries. This is the national selection stage, giving the film a place in the subsequent international consideration process.

The distinction between submission and nomination is central to understanding the news. A country can choose its entry without the Academy having named it among the final nominees. Dear Ajayi must still pass through the later process, alongside films entered by other countries. The announcement therefore describes progress, rather than an Oscar already won.

Damilola Orimogunje wrote, directed and produced the film. Punch describes it as a period drama located in southwestern Nigeria during the 1990s. That setting places the family story within a particular time and region, rather than offering an unspecified contemporary backdrop for the characters' choices.

The reported synopsis follows sisters Ade and Titi Ajayi, whose different lives are brought into renewed tension when their mother comes to stay. Family expectations, ambition and faith are among the concerns identified. These are introductory story details from the report, not an assessment based on Wahala Today viewing the full film.

Committee chair Stephanie Linus welcomed the selection and looked ahead to Academy consideration. Her response reflects the work of presenting a chosen national entry to another judging process. The committee's decision and the Academy's eventual decision are related steps, but they belong to different bodies and should retain that separation in coverage.

For audiences, the selection creates an opportunity to discover the film beyond awards shorthand. Its characters, setting and filmmaking can be discussed on their own terms while the competition continues. The next awards milestones require fresh confirmation; the October announcement cannot stand in for a later shortlist or nomination list.