Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has performed the official groundbreaking of the proposed Lagos Film City in Ejinrin, in Ejirin-Ikosi Local Council Development Area (LCDA), in the Epe Division of the state, Wednesday.
(From left): Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu flanked by Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka (left); Elejinrin of Ejinrin, Oba Rafiu Babatunde Balogun (right) and other dignitaries during the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Lagos Film City project in Ejinrin, Epe, Wednesday
According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the US$100 million project sited on a 100-hectre land along the Epe Waterfront in the state will be financed through a Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with the state government providing a seed capital of N4.3 billion already captured in this year’s budget allocation.
The proposed Lagos Film City project is a project of the state government alongside creative partners drawn from the EbonyLife Academy, Del-York, and Ogidi Studios, among others, and is expected to executed in three phases which includes; an academy, a production facility, and a theme park.
Speaking at the ceremony, in Ejinrin, Wednesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu enthused about the potential entertainment and tourism potential the project portends for the state’s economy, just as he highlighted the job creation opportunities which it stands to provide, not just for the state in particular, but the entire country.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos Film City will position ‘the state as a force to reckon with in the entertainment and creative industry across the globe.’
“Today, we embark on a journey that will redefine the landscape of the film industry in Lagos State. As we break the ground for this $100million film city covering a land area of 100 hectares of land and which will be executed on the Private Public Partnership model, we are laying the foundation for a creative hub that will serve as a catalyst for innovation, talent discovery, and storytelling excellence. This film city will be a testament to our commitment to nurturing the arts and supporting the dreams of aspiring filmmakers, actors, and technicians.
“The film industry has the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together. It has the ability to inspire, entertain, and educate. Through the magic of cinema, we can showcase the rich cultural heritage of Lagos State, tell stories that reflect our shared experiences, and amplify the voices of our diverse communities. This film city will serve as a canvas for these stories, providing a platform for our talented artists to shine on both local and global stages.
“Furthermore, the First Film City in Lagos State will create numerous job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and attract investment. It will be a hub for film production, post-production, visual effects, and all the ancillary services that support the filmmaking process. We envision a film city that is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, sound stages, editing suites, production offices, and everything necessary to bring the magic of the silver screen to life.
“But this film city is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about the people who will walk through its doors and breathe life into its spaces. It is about the dreams that will be realized, the stories that will be told, and the impact that will be made. Our creative community is the beating heart of this film city, and we are committed to providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
“As we embark on this journey together, I call upon all stakeholders – filmmakers, investors, educators, and the community at large – to join hands and contribute towards the success of this film city. Let us work together to build an ecosystem that nurtures creativity, fosters collaboration, and empowers our artists to push the boundaries of their craft,” the governor said.
On her part, state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the Lagos Film City in Ejinrin-Epe as ‘an all-in-one facility, with leisure, entertainment, and learning infrastructure.’
“It will also have accommodations and numerous state-of-the-art studios to support television, radio and film, ranging from pre-production, production, post-production and distribution, among others. The Lagos Film City will be the biggest in Africa, not in name only, but also in the content and quality of its offerings to the creative industry The fact that a project of this magnitude is being undertaken via a public-private-partnership initiative is an excellent testament to the integrity and robustness of the Lagos State Government economic policies and finance,” he commissioner said.
According to her, the project was conceived five years ago by the Mr Sanwo-Olu under his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda.
“The film city is a further testament of the commitment of the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration ‘to invest in the infrastructure, and create an enabling environment, for the global ‘new economy’ to thrive in Lagos State. All over the world, the creative, entertainment and tourism sectors have contributed exponentially to all economies that took decisive steps to court and nurture it, just like we are here to do today
“The Lagos State Government has been deliberate in its various steps in this sector, it has committed huge sums to upscaling the various tourist centers across the state. For this year 2023, a total amount of N4.635 billion was specifically allocated for this purpose. Among the list of beneficiaries are the recently commissioned J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture, and the Agia Tree project.
“It is my utmost believe that by the time ‘Lagos Film City’ come on stream, the spiral-effect on the State profile as a tourist destination of choice, economy, employment opportunities, etc. will be appreciated beyond the entertainment sector,” she said.
Remarking, Founder of Del-York Group, Mr. Linus Idahosa, said allocation of private equity to investors in the project development underscored the Governor’s understanding of key partnerships required to deliver the vision and enhance growth in the creative sector.
“This idea of strategic collaboration between the Government and stakeholders is what it takes to push the country forward. The future of this country will be determined by the creative energy we are about to harness through the Film City project,” said Idahosa.
Director of the EbonyLife Group, Ms Temidayo Makajuola, described the groundbreaking of the Lagos Film City as a ‘symbolic gesture,’ which she added, ‘signifies a monumental leap forward in our pursuit of becoming a global powerhouse in the entertainment and creative industry.’
Similarly, in his goodwill message, Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, representing the Anyiam-Osigwe family expressed pleasure at the groundbreaking which he described as a testament to the dreams conceived by his late sister and founder of the African Movie Awards (AMA), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.
Also remarking, the traditional ruler of Ejinrin, 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.
“Talents and endowment deposited in Ejinrin can now be enhanced for national development,” the monarch said, thanking the Governor for citing the project in the town.
Popular movie star, Femi Adebayo, who spoke on behalf of Nollywood, said the project represented the collective enthusiasm of theatre practitioners and creative community, stressing that the infrastructure would elevate professionalism in cinematography and entertainment.
A roll call of Nollywood personalities and notable theater practitioners who attended the ceremony included; Alhaji Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), his son, Femi Adebayo; Prince Jide Kosoko; Tade Ogidan; Prof. Sola Fosudo; Adewale Elesho; Saheed Balogun; Kunle Afolayan; Victor Osuagwu; and National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr Emeka Rollas; veteran director, Zeb Ejiro, in addition to other movie directors and young filmmakers.
The event also had in attendance traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic community, who expressed their excitement seeing Lagos launching a world-class infrastructure to tap into the global entertainment market.