By Latiifah Amusan
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced exciting developments for Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, during a news conference at the Government House in Marina, Lagos.
The groundbreaking for the ambitious $100 million African Film City project in Epe is set to take place before the end of October, signaling a significant leap forward for the country’s burgeoning film sector.
The African Film City, to be built on a sprawling 100-hectare expanse in Epe, promises to be a colossal hub for creativity and innovation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his aspirations for Lagos State to take a leading role in the film industry, and the Film City aims to be a testament to that ambition.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the project’s primary goal is to enhance originality in content creation within Nollywood.
This strategic move is part of Lagos State’s continued commitment to supporting and nurturing the vibrant talents within the film industry.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government In October 2022, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Del-York Group for the construction of this groundbreaking film city.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his announcement, also revealed plans to double capacity-building support for young industry players, allowing them to hone their skills in modern filmmaking techniques.
Furthermore, grants for filmmakers will see a significant increase, ensuring smoother operations for aspiring and established filmmakers alike.
Governor Sanwo-Olu issued a passionate call to Nollywood practitioners, urging them to create content that is distinctly ‘Africanized.’
By doing so, he believes that the industry can reshape the socio-cultural narrative of the continent and showcase Nigeria’s readiness to the world.
