Mo Abudu, the CEO of EbonyLife Group, has made a passionate plea for Nigerian and African creatives to take the initiative in building local streaming platforms. She highlighted the challenges posed by decreasing investment from foreign streaming services, as seen with Canal+ potentially shutting down Showmax due to cost-cutting measures. Her message, shared on Instagram, emphasizes the need for self-sufficiency in the African media landscape.

Abudu articulated that Africans must take responsibility for creating business models that are tailored to their market needs, stating, "No one is coming to save us." This call to action reflects a growing sentiment among local creatives who recognize the importance of sustainable platforms that cater specifically to African audiences. Despite the initial struggles faced by indigenous services, she believes that with time and dedication, they can develop into viable alternatives to international platforms.

The potential shutdown of Showmax serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of foreign investments in Africa’s entertainment sector. Abudu’s encouragement for local initiatives is not merely a reaction to immediate challenges but a vision for a future where African creativity thrives on its own terms. By focusing on local solutions, there is the implication that African narratives and opportunities can be better represented and harnessed.