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Details Of The Ground Breaking Ceremony & EJINRIN
In a bid to enhance the ever-booming entertainment and creative industry in Lagos State and Nigeria, Lagos state governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday 18th October, 2023 made a landmark by unveiling the Lagos Film City, a project sited at Ejinrin community in Epe district of the state.
The unveiling ceremony was held within the premises of the massive project. The 100 hectares of land was provided by The Elejinrin of Ejinrin, His Royal Majesty Oba Rafiu Ishola Balogun for the Lagos Film City project to come to reality in his kingdom.
The idea of Lagos Film City which is driven by public-private partnership was conceived to inspire and empower creative minds in the state and across the land to explore the boundless opportunities in film making, music production and the entire entertainment industry. This reaffirms the status of Lagos state as the hub of entertainment and creativity in Nigeria.
On completion, the project which would be the largest in Africa boasts of providing state-of-the-art sound stages, cutting edge post production facilities, crafted movie sets, educational institutions, a contemporary theme park among others. It is no doubt going to change the narrative of the entertainment landscape of Nigeria and Africa.
The ground breaking ceremony which marks the commencement of the project was carried out by Mr. Governor who was accompanied by top dignitaries who were present. He set the site opened for massive construction not long after he gave his remarks following presentations made by the Honorable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, The Elejinrin who is the traditional ruler of the host community; EbonyLife Creative Academy; Gidi Creative Centre; The Osigwes of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA); star Nollywood actor, Femi Adebayo and a few others. They all spoke remarkably well about the great initiative, as they are ready to work and be intentional in making it come to reality.
Governor Sanwo-Olu during his remarks expressed how happy he was to see the state government under his administration set its feet on the threshold of history by laying the foundation of Lagos Film City in Ejinrin, Epe. He dwelled on the potentials of the entertainment industry in Nigeria and across the world. He was optimistic that the full realisation of the project would no doubt boost the economy of Lagos State and the country at large as players in the industry would have no reason to travel abroad for the sake of producing quality movies. He said his government was “very much intentional” about committing a lot to the project and collaborating with private organisations who have made their marks in entertainment across the world. Meanwhile, he appreciated private organisations who have keyed into the projects. The likes of Del-York Creative Academy, Ogidi Creative Centre, EbonyLife Academy, AMAA among others. He restated the commitment of his administration in working in partnership with the private sector in achieving the project. Meanwhile, he took time to single host, The Elejinrin of Ejinrin, His Royal Majesty Oba Rafiu Ishola Balogun and his Olori for praise. He thanked the king for his overwhelming support which resulted in getting the large expanse of land which amounted to 100 hectares his community provided for the film city project. He therefore spoke on the potential of Lagos Film City in transforming Ejinrin and his environs for good.
The Lagos Film City, is a dynamic citadel that stands at the forefront of a thriving film, entertainment, and production ecosystem. With state-of-the-art sound stages, cutting edge post-production facilities, meticulously crafted movie sets, educational institutions, and a contemporary theme park, this visionary project aims to inspire, empower talent, foster collaboration, and unite the world though the creative arts. Its not only a catalyst for opportunities but also a driver of economic growth, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s progress.
The Nigerian film and entertainment industry has grown exponentially in recent years, contributing significantly to the nation’s cultural influence and economic prosperity.
With over 2,000 films produced annually and a global audience, Nigeria has earned its place as one of the leading film industries worldwide. However, to maintain and accelerate this momentum, establishing a strong creative industry hub, is imperative.
The Lagos Film City will be a catalyst for creation and collaboration, uniting the greatest talents from Nigeria and the world, here in the heart of Lagos. The groundbreaking of The Lagos Film City represents more than just a celebration, it serves as a resounding declaration of a brighter tomorrow for Lagos, Nigeria, and the entire African film and entertainment landscape. This iconic endeavor signifies the emergence of a new era.
Where Talent meets Opportunity, forging a legacy that will shape the future of the creative industry. Together, we are carving a path towards industry growth and economic prosperity, positioning Lagos as a global powerhouse for creativity and innovation in the rapidly transforming world of entertainment.
A Director of the EbonyLife Group, also spoke. I stand here today on behalf of our entire team and our esteemed founder, Mo Abudu, who deeply regrets not being here in person, but she sends her warm regards and unwavering support for this remarkable venture. My name is Temidayo Makanjuola, Director of the EbonyLife Group. Today, we gather here for an event that marks a milestone in the history of Lagos State and, indeed, the entire nation of Nigeria.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the Lagos Film City is not just a symbolic gesture; it signifies a monumental leap forward in our pursuit of becoming a global powerhouse in the entertainment and creative industry. I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering commitment to transforming Lagos into a world-class hub for entertainment, film, and creativity. We at EbonyLife Group are extremely proud to be a part of this exciting journey. Our involvement with Lagos State, through EbonyLife Creative Academy, has been a testament to our dedication to nurturing local talent and fostering a thriving creative industry. The partnership between EbonyLife and Lagos State is rooted in a shared vision: to create a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem for the creative sector.
The proposed Lagos Film City, which promises to be the largest in Africa, will undoubtedly be a game changer. It will sit on a sprawling 100-hectare expanse of land, and it is poised to redefine the entertainment landscape not only in Nigeria but across the entire African continent. The opportunities it brings are boundless. Not only will it serve as a hub for all stages of the film and media production process, but it will also serve as a center for education and training. We are
confident that this project will significantly contribute to job creation and the empowerment of our talented youth, who will find meaningful employment opportunities in this burgeoning industry. Our collective commitment to making Lagos State a global entertainment and creative destination is evident in this groundbreaking ceremony. It is also a testament to the fruitful collaboration between the Lagos State Government and visionary industry leaders, including
EbonyLife Group. This project is a prime example of the power of public private partnership, showcasing what can he achieved when government and industry unite for a common purpose.
I would like to take a moment to express our gratitude to the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson Awoyinka, whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in bringing us to this historic day. Her dedication and leadership have been invaluable and we look forward to continuing to work closely with her and her team. Additionally, we would like to extend our appreciation to the Special Adviser, Mr. Idris Aregbe, for his unwavering support and commitment to this vision. Your contributions have been vital to the success of this project. I n dosing, let me reiterate our unwavering commitment to supporting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his administration in their quest to make Lagos State a global beacon for creativity, entertainment, and innovation. Ebonyl.ife Group is proud to be a part of this transformative journey, and we are excited about the future that the Lagos Film City will bring. Thank you all for joining us today, and we eagerly anticipate the day when we can witness the full realization of this groundbreaking initiative. Together, we will make Lagos State and Nigeria shine brighter on the world stage.
Idris Olorunnimbe, the GCE of The Temple Company, owners of Ogidi Studios, also spoke. The Temple Company extends our heartfelt congratulations and commendation on the ground breaking of the Lagos Film City, a visionary project that is set to redefine the cinematic landscape not only in Lagos State but across Africa.
The Lagos Film City epitomizes the passion and forward-thinking approach of the Lagos State
Government in promoting the arts, culture, and entertainment sectors. It speaks volumes of your administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for our talented youth and repositioning Lagos as the hub for film and creativity in Africa.
This initiative, combined with the state government’s collaborative efforts with esteemed partners like us at Ogidi Studios, is a testament to the inclusive and collaborative approach you have chosen. We believe the Film City will be instrumental in showcasing the richness of our heritage, stories, and talents to the world.
At The Temple Company, we recognize and support ventures that elevate our culture, provide
growth opportunities for our youth, and contribute to economic advancement. We are hopeful
that this project will pave the way for more groundbreaking initiatives in the future.
– Jamiu Abubakar
