Akintade Ogidan, widely known as Tade Ogidan, stands as one of the most respected storytellers in Nigerian cinema. Born in July 1960 in Lagos, Nigeria, he grew up in the bustling neighbourhood of Surulere, a hub for creativity, theatre, and entertainment. He was raised by his middle-class parents, Akinola and Rachael Ogidan, whose discipline, structure, and emphasis on education shaped the foundation of his early life.
Tade’s interest in storytelling began at a young age. Surrounded by the lively streets of Lagos and its everyday dramas, he developed a fascination for human behaviour and social issues—elements that would later become the backbone of his films. He attended primary and secondary school in Lagos before proceeding abroad for further studies. Ogidan later studied Film and Television Production at the Gary Finance Institute in London, and also took film-related courses at Orange Coast College in California, equipping him with technical knowledge and international exposure that helped refine his craft.
His professional journey began at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where he spent eight formative years. At NTA, he contributed to several pioneering drama series and gained experience in directing, editing, and scriptwriting. His time there built the foundation of a career that would later revolutionise Nollywood’s film quality and storytelling style.
In 1990, seeking more creative freedom, he left the NTA to establish his own production company, OGD Pictures Ltd. The name “OGD” is an abbreviation of his surname, Ogidan—a simple but meaningful reminder of his commitment to building a brand rooted in personal identity and cinematic excellence.
From that point onward, Tade Ogidan became a household name. His debut feature films set new standards in Nigerian filmmaking. Projects such as Hostages, Owo Blow, Diamond Ring, Out of Bounds, Raging Storm, 7–12, and Playing Games showcased his ability to blend suspense, emotional depth, and social commentary. Many of these works starred some of Nigeria’s biggest actors and introduced fresh talent who later became industry icons.
Ogidan is also known for the psychological drama Dangerous Twins, the emotional family story Ayo Mi Da, the intense Family on Fire, and the critically acclaimed adventure comedy Gold Statue. These films earned multiple awards both within and outside Nigeria, cementing him as one of the most influential directors in Nollywood’s evolution from stage-like productions to more cinematic, technically driven storytelling.
Beyond film, Tade Ogidan is a private family man. Although he keeps many aspects of his personal life away from the spotlight, his work reflects his values: discipline, creativity, integrity, and cultural authenticity. Now in his early 60s, he remains an active creative force, mentoring younger filmmakers and continuing to push the boundaries of visual storytelling in Nigeria.
With over three decades in the industry, Tade Ogidan stands as a bridge between the pioneering era of Nigerian television and the modern Nollywood movement. His films remain classics—replayed, studied, and referenced by old and new generations alike. His legacy is one of excellence, courage, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to telling Nigerian stories with global appeal.
Sources: The Vanguard
TADE OGIDAN: CREATIVE FORCE BEHIND OUR ICONIC FILMS
