Connect with us

Entertainment

African Film City Project in Epe to Boost Nollywood Growth, Announces Governor Sanwo-Olu

Published

on

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has unveiled plans for the development of the African Film City in Epe, a project worth $100 million that is set to significantly enhance the creative landscape of Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry. He made this exciting announcement during the 12th African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) Press Briefing held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House in Marina.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!

This revelation brought joy to veteran filmmakers, movie producers, Nollywood actors, and celebrities in attendance, all of whom eagerly anticipate the groundbreaking for this monumental project in the coming weeks. The African Film City is expected to foster originality and innovation in content creation within Nollywood.

In addition to the African Film City project, Governor Sanwo-Olu affirmed that the State Government is committed to doubling its support for capacity building among young talents in the industry. This includes enhancing the skills of emerging filmmakers and doubling the grants provided to support the production of short stories.

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his government’s unwavering commitment to provide resources and opportunities to promote initiatives that showcase Lagos and Nigeria on the global stage. He emphasized the importance of nurturing local talent and leveraging creativity to tell authentic African stories to the world.

Advertisement

Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated, “We will be doing the groundbreaking for the African Film City before the end of this month. It is a $100 million project to be sited in 100 hectares of land in Epe. Lagos is taking the lead in promoting sustainable growth in the creative industry.”

He continued, “We are also going to be doubling the State Government’s support for the training of young industry players. We will also double the grants being given to creative young talents for the production of short stories. We have supported over 5,000 people in the creative sector with different kinds of capacity-building opportunities and film production grants to scale up the numbers in the sector.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged stakeholders in the creative industry to collaborate and produce high-quality content that reaffirms Nigeria’s position as a global player in filmmaking while attracting foreign investments.

In closing, Governor Sanwo-Olu called for the creation of original, content-driven, and Africanized narratives that change the socio-cultural narrative of the continent. He highlighted the 12th AFRIFF as a pivotal platform for achieving these goals and expressed the Lagos State Government’s excitement in being part of this transformative event.

The Consul General of the United States Consulate in Lagos, Mr. Will Stevens, recognized the impact of digital technology on the Nigerian film industry, emphasizing the need for practitioners to fully harness the potential of Nollywood. He also noted that African cinema is poised for significant growth in the second half of the 21st century.

Advertisement

Chioma Ude, the founder of AFRIFF, announced that the film festival would take place next month, celebrating African cinema and promoting original storytelling.

In summary, the African Film City project in Epe, combined with increased support for young talents, demonstrates Lagos State’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the creative sector, ultimately advancing Nollywood on the global stage.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

Lizzy Anjorin Questions Court Order Over Priscilla Ojo’s Son

Published

on

Nollywood actress Lizzy Anjorin has questioned the authenticity of an interim order issued by the Lagos State High Court on 2 September 2026, restraining her from publishing photographs of Priscilla Ojo’s one-year-old son, Rakeem Mkambala, and from posting editorials concerning the family on specified social media platforms.

Anjorin raised the issue during an Instagram Live session on Friday, 4 September, after Priscilla shared a copy of the court order online.

The actress argued that publicising court documents before formally serving the respondent undermines the case.

“Your case na dead on arrival. If you post court letter on any platform before serving person wey you wan go serve, that court case na fake court case,” Anjorin said during the live session.

Advertisement

Her comments came shortly after the High Court of Lagos State granted an ex parte application brought by Priscilla, her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Mussa Mkambala, and their son, Rakeem.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya issued the interim order in Suit No. LD/ADR/6646/2026.

The order restrains Anjorin, as well as people acting under her authority, from publishing, posting, circulating, uploading or broadcasting photographs of Rakeem on specified social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok.

The court also directed Anjorin to cease publishing or broadcasting editorials concerning the applicants on the platforms covered by the order.

An ex parte order is made at an interim stage without the respondent being heard. The order is therefore not a final determination of the dispute and remains subject to further proceedings.

Advertisement

Priscilla shared the certified copy of the order on her Instagram Story on Friday, bringing the legal development into public view.

Anjorin’s reaction centres on the timing and manner in which the court documents were publicised. Her assertion that such publication makes a case “fake” is her own claim and is not a finding contained in the court order.

The development marks another chapter in the prolonged public dispute between Anjorin and Priscilla’s family, particularly Priscilla’s mother, actress Iyabo Ojo.

The disagreement has played out largely on social media and has previously resulted in legal action, including a ₦1 billion defamation suit filed by Iyabo Ojo against Anjorin.

In recent weeks, the dispute has also drawn Priscilla and her young son into the controversy, following public comments by Anjorin concerning the family.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Entertainment

BBNaija Kess Says Big Brother Makes Life Harder

Published

on

Kesiena Tony Adjekpovu, popularly known as Kess, has said that participating in Big Brother Naija can make life harder, offering a candid reflection on the challenges that may come with the reality television experience.

The former Big Brother Naija housemate made the comment in a statement shared on social media, where he suggested that winning or simply taking part in the reality show does not necessarily make life easier after leaving the house.

“Big Brother makes your life harder,” Kess said.

The remark has drawn attention because life after reality television can bring a different set of expectations, particularly as former housemates adjust to increased public attention and the pressure that can accompany visibility.

Advertisement

Kess was a housemate on the seventh season of Big Brother Naija, which aired in 2022. He entered the show as a businessman and was among the contestants who competed for the season’s grand prize.

His time on the programme also placed him in the public eye, giving viewers an opportunity to follow his personality and relationships inside the house.

Kess’s latest comment offers a more reflective view of the reality TV platform, suggesting that the experience does not end when a contestant leaves the house.

However, he did not provide further details in the available post explaining which specific aspects of life after Big Brother he was referring to.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Celebrity news

Damilola Oni Suffers Backlash at Mama Deola Movie Premiere

Published

on

Damilola Oni

Nigerian actress Damilola Oni has come under heavy fire across social media over her controversial outfit at the star-studded Mama Deola movie premiere (more…)

Continue Reading

Trending