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

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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Entertainment

My Wife Knew About Actresses I Dated, Says Yinka Quadri

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Veteran Nollywood actor Yinka Quadri has revealed that his wife was aware of his romantic relationships with some actresses in the industry and treated them cordially.

The actor made the disclosure in an interview on the Africanalist Podcast, where he spoke about his personal life and marriage.

Quadri said some of the actresses he dated eventually became friends with his wife, Sadiat Adenike Quadri. According to him, the women would sometimes approach her and share gossip about his relationships with other female colleagues, even though they themselves were involved with him.

“It got to a stage, I won’t mention the ladies’ names in the industry. They would become friends with my wife and start giving gossip to my wife that I am dating so so so in the industry,” he said.

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He added that jealousy sometimes arose among the women. Some of those he was dating reportedly went to his home out of jealousy, only to find that his wife already knew about the relationships.

“And there were some of them that we were dating who went home out of jealousy. Meanwhile, my wife would say she was aware already and she doesn’t fight them because of that,” Quadri said.

The actor further disclosed that some actresses occasionally spent the night at his house when movie productions ended late. He said his wife knew about the relationships and still provided food and care for them.

“Sometimes when production ends late, they would sleep in my house. And my wife is aware I am dating them, she would still feed them and everything,” he stated.

Quadri has been married to Sadiat since 1989. The couple have children and grandchildren.

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Prioritise Talent Over Social Media, Fisayo Abebi Tells Young Actors

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Actress and filmmaker Fisayomi Amodemaja, popularly known as Fisayo Abebi, has urged young actors to build strong personal brands and rely on their talent rather than fame or social media visibility for a sustainable career in Nollywood.

Speaking in an interview with Sunday Scoop, Abebi, who began acting as a child before moving into filmmaking and production, said having a distinct identity was essential for anyone seeking longevity in the industry.

“As an actor, you should have a brand. You should have something that makes you different. Your talent should be able to speak for you wherever your name cannot speak for you,” she said.

She also stressed the need for dedication and readiness to handle the demands of the profession.

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“Any young actor coming into the industry has to know that it is time-consuming, and you have to be fully ready to be diligent and ready for the stress,” Abebi added.

The actress reflected on her own experiences, noting that growing up in the spotlight came with pressure, particularly from being recognised for a character she played as a child.

She credited her family and friends with helping her navigate the attention and remain grounded. Her mother, she said, played a key role by helping her understand that she was separate from the character audiences associated her with.

Abebi also spoke about the challenges of combining her acting career with university education, describing it as stressful at times.

“Sometimes I might have to refund or sometimes I might have to go to the set after finishing my exam. So, that can be very stressful,” she said.

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She noted that her journey in the industry had taught her to take risks and build confidence in herself.

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Regina Daniels Spent Months In Wheelchair Due To Health Issues

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Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has revealed that she spent several months struggling with severe pain and mobility challenges that left her dependent on a wheelchair.

The actress shared the details in a video posted on her Instagram page on Saturday as she marked her 25th birthday, which she described as her “Silver Jubilee.”

Appearing in a wheelchair, Daniels explained that her prolonged absence from social media was due to the health difficulties.

“I know many of you may be surprised seeing me in a wheelchair. Well, welcome to another chapter of my life,” she said.

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She stated that the problem began as a minor issue but gradually became more serious, eventually limiting her freedom to move around as she pleased.

“For several months now, I lost my freedom to move around as I please. It started as something minor, very minor, but eventually led to this,” Daniels said.

According to her, the condition took a major turn after the last public gathering she hosted, a Children’s Day carnival. She said she underwent repeated medical tests during the period and joked that she had started calling herself a “lab rat.”

“The pain became excruciating. Sometimes I find myself walking well, and sometimes I just can’t move. I cried,” she added.

Despite the challenges, the actress said there had been significant developments in her recovery, which encouraged her to share the update publicly.

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“Well, me sitting here today, in front of this camera, sharing this with y’all, it’s because there’s been some really significant developments in my recovery. And I say, thank you, Lord,” she said.

Daniels did not disclose a specific diagnosis or the nature of the treatment she is receiving. She expressed gratitude to God and prayed for calm as she entered a new phase of her life.

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