The joy of the people of Ejinrin, a noble and ancient community in Epe, knew no bounds, when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited the community to flag off the Lagos Film City.
Located in the aquatic town of Epe, the Film City boasts to be a world-class hub for film production, attracting filmmakers from across the globe. With state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, the project is aimed to position Nigeria as a major player in the international film market.
On its realisation, Ejinrin which used to be a hub of commercial activities and most preferred destination of traders in Yoruba Land during the colonial era, would hit the map again as an entertainment hub where many talents would be coming to get their creative works done. It is a great privilege and blessing to Ejinrin, the host community which will very soon become the epicenter of cinematic excellence. The Film City is expected to be completed in several phases. It will have a massive impact on the entire Epe town, generating employment opportunities for its residents and boosting economic growth.
The flag off ceremony was a massive one, held on October 18, 2023. It came with excitement as government dignitaries and key players in the Nigerian film industry gathered to witness the epoch-making event. Sons and daughters of Ejinrin and neighbouring communities also trooped out to show appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Elejinrin of Ejinrin, Oba Rafiu Balogun, said the occasion marked a new dawn for the natives, describing the Film City as the “first modern project” to be brought to the town, decades after the colonial masters left. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu, thanking him for remembering his Community for good and setting it on the path of greatness again. He said the people of Ejinrin would forever be grateful to Mr. Governor. Below is an extracted part of his speech.
“When this project was put across to me, almost about 5 or 6 years ago, the then Lagos state governor requested for a parcel of land. Then I had 2 options; one, either to say no, two or to sell the land. But I decided; I said no1, I will not sell this land. Rather I would give it out to Lagos State government for this particular project. And I thank God for one thing today, that I am alive to witness this occasion. And my wife is also alive to witness this occasion. Your excellency, my people will be forever grateful to you. We will be grateful to Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
“The last opportunity we had was in the days of the Europeans and since the Europeans left, we have never had it so good in Ejinrin. Today is a special day. We can never forget your excellency. We will forever remember you in prayers. We will continue to pray for you and your family. Your excellency, may you live long! You will live a healthy life and will never live a short life. May your administration succeed. After your tenure in office, you will be elevated to bigger positions in life! I’m so grateful to you for this great honour done to Ejinrin.
“At the same time, I thank Mr. Linus Idahosa. God will continue to bless you. He will ease your affairs and make you happy. God will assist you in achieving this project. And I want to thank everybody in this Lagos State cabinet. And also, everybody in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Whenever a document of approval for construction comes to you, don’t waste time, just close your eyes and get everything approved. Lagos Film City is going to be beneficial to everybody in Lagos state and by extension across the fold of this country.
“I also want to extend my greetings to all other people that have also contributed in one way or the other to this particular project. God will continue to bless you. There is one special person I want to appreciate and that is my wife. She has been a pillar to me for the past 25 years. May we live long together as a couple. To all of you that came to witness today’s event, may God be with you. You will all get to your various destinations in goodness. God will continue to be with you and elevate you.
