Lagos-based multimedia firm, Umuada Productions, has secured exclusive rights to adapt Wives at War, the celebrated short story collection by literary icon Flora Nwapa, into a range of digital and visual formats, including graphic novels, television series, films, and podcasts.

The company made the announcement on Monday, describing the project as a major step in preserving and reintroducing African women’s narratives to a global audience through modern storytelling formats.

The adaptation will begin with a graphic novel version of Daddy, Don’t Strike the Match, one of the standout stories in the 1980 collection. The wider project is expected to explore themes of womanhood, war, resilience, and sisterhood, particularly against the backdrop of the Nigerian Civil War.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Umuada Productions, Anaecheri Okwuosa, described the project as both a personal and cultural milestone.

“This is a dream come true. I grew up with Miss Flora Nwapa’s work. Who knew that one day we would be here, creating the perfect energy for its rightful resurgence? As an Oguta woman, telling her stories honours my culture,” Okwuosa said in an email to The PUNCH.

Honouring a Literary Pioneer

Flora Nwapa, often described as the mother of modern African literature, is best known for her portrayals of postcolonial Igbo women navigating identity, conflict, and survival. Wives at War remains one of her most influential works, noted for its strong feminist themes and its nuanced depiction of life during and after the Biafran War.

Speaking on behalf of the Nwapa family, Uzoma Nwakuche welcomed the project, calling it a timely recognition of the author’s legacy.

“We, the children of Flora Nwapa, are happy with the future adaptation of Wives at War by Umuada Productions. This work further immortalises Flora Nwapa’s legacy and provides a new perspective on the way her work is appreciated globally,” Nwakuche said.

A Vision for African Literature

Umuada Productions, which operates a “book-to-graphic-novel-to-screen” model, focuses on transforming classic African literature into visually engaging formats for younger and tech-oriented audiences. The company says the upcoming adaptations are part of its broader mission to amplify African female voices and make traditional literary works more accessible.

Concept art, teaser posters, and storyboards are expected to be released in the coming months ahead of the project’s official debut later this year.

According to Okwuosa, the firm is committed to maintaining the integrity of Nwapa’s original works while elevating them through innovative digital formats that resonate with today’s audience.

The adaptation of Wives at War marks a significant cultural development and adds to growing efforts across the continent to preserve and digitise African literary heritage for the global stage.