Oyo State film village launch gets support from Governor Makinde, marking a new era for tourism and creative industries in Nigeria
Oyo State film village has officially launched with Governor Seyi Makinde pledging full support for the ambitious project spearheaded by award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan.
The KAP Film Village and Resort, located in Igbojaye, has been hailed as a game-changer for tourism, arts, and the local economy.
Speaking during the launch ceremony, Governor Makinde assured the public that his administration is committed to making the project a success. He pledged to provide critical infrastructure including roads and electricity to support the film village.
“Tourism remains a cornerstone of our economic strategy. This project is a testament to our vision and our determination to make Oyo State a hub for tourism and cultural heritage,” he said.
Makinde directed the Itesiwaju Local Government Council to begin immediate work on the Okaka-Igbojaye Road, promising to approve its full funding.
He also announced plans to establish a solar mini-grid and a direct electricity line from Okaka to the village to ensure a reliable power supply by December. “I will talk to the Commissioner for Energy to put in here a solar mini-grid,” he stated.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Ms Hannatu Musawa, praised the project’s potential. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a mission and a vision to build something concrete for future generations of young Nigerians who may not have access to oil wells or Ivy League education but have a pathway through the creative industry,” she said.
She lauded the dedication shown by Afolayan and confirmed that the federal government is ready to collaborate on the initiative.
Kunle Afolayan, visibly emotional, reflected on the journey behind the film village’s development. “Doing this gives me peace because I’m not doing it for myself—I’m doing it for posterity. I’m doing it so that the name of this community, my name, and my mother’s name will be remembered,” he shared.
The governor also highlighted the larger tourism agenda in the state. He mentioned that plans are underway to upgrade Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft.
“Thankfully, an international airport is being set up in Ibadan, and the airside should be ready around October or November this year,” he said.
Makinde also revealed additional aviation plans for Otu and Igbeti for both security and tourism enhancement. “We are not only going to set up the airstrip for security surveillance, we will also add tourism,” he said, noting that faster air access would open up new tourism corridors across the state.
The governor encouraged both local and international investors to look towards Oyo State as a fertile ground for investment. He stressed the state’s favourable location, its accessibility, and its emerging creative ecosystem.
“As a government, we remain committed to creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. This includes building essential infrastructure to ease accessibility and connectivity,” he declared.
Makinde made it clear that projects like the Oyo State film village represent more than just economic development; they symbolise cultural pride and the promise of a brighter future.
“This project represents a big win for Oyo State. Kunle Afolayan is not from Oyo State, but see what he has done in the state. For us in Oyo State, we want everyone that can add value to our state,” he said.
Notable figures at the event included Osun State Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, Abike Dabiri-Erewa of NiDCOM, and Dr. Shaibu Husseini of the NFVCB. Their presence underscored the national significance of the initiative.
The Oyo State film village, with strong backing and bold vision, is set to become a cultural landmark and a beacon for Nigeria’s growing creative economy.
Culture4 years ago
