In a groundbreaking move, Mr Ideal Nigeria has joined forces with TN Media and Sega FX to produce Unheard, a short film that delves into the often-overlooked issue of domestic violence against men.

The film tells the story of Ugo, a tech founder and former Mr Ideal Nigeria titleholder, who is bullied by his wife. Despite his strong physical presence, Ugo struggles to make people believe that he is a victim of domestic violence. His story sheds light on the stigma men face when they try to speak out about abuse, as society often fails to recognize them as victims.

Starring Mr Ideal Nigeria 2024 winner Daniel Olatunji as Ugo and Miss Ideal Nigeria 2024 Nehita Irieme, the film also features supporting performances from Shalom Mark, Zeal Effet, Oluwaseun Alabi, Sega David, Adu Delapaz, Eninla Peace, paul Chidera and David Garnet.

Unheard is directed by Sega Joshua and produced by Otito Wildfred, with executive production credits going to Mrs. Adetoun Olagbegi-Oluwo, Abraham Osaro, and Ayotunde Twitch.

Beyond entertainment, Mr Ideal Nigeria has been a strong advocate for youth empowerment through its Tech Wizettes skill acquisition program. This initiative focuses on equipping young men in rural areas with digital skills, including digital marketing, to help them scale their small businesses. By doing so, the program provides an avenue for financial independence, allowing beneficiaries to fund their education, sustain themselves, and even create job opportunities for others.

Speaking on this initiative, Ayotunde Twitch, the founder of Mr Ideal Nigeria, emphasized the brand’s commitment to using film as a storytelling medium that amplifies the struggles and triumphs of Nigerian men.

“Mr Ideal Nigeria continues on this path to use movies to tell the story of Nigerian men in a visually appealing way while also providing a platform for contestants to kick off their careers in the film industry,” he stated.

In line with its mission to raise awareness about men’s mental health, Unheard will be screened in May, aligning with Mental Health Awareness Month. This strategic timing reinforces the film’s message, drawing attention to the psychological impact of domestic violence and the broader mental health challenges faced by Nigerian men.

With Unheard, Mr Ideal Nigeria not only highlights a critical social issue but also reinforces its dedication to empowering young men with the tools they need to thrive, both personally and professionally.