All is now set for the takeoff of Ibadan Film Village and Tourism Centre, at Olanla Village, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo.
The project, by Great Treasure Empowerment Driving Initiative For Transformation Foundation in conjunction with Afosan Investment Limited, when completed is said to contribute hugely to the promotion of arts, tourism as the economic development of Oyo.
The initiator of the project, who also doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of Great Treasure Empowerment Driving Initiative For Transformation Foundation in conjunction with Afosan Investment Limited Apostle Afolabi Oyedeji, while speaking with journalists during the groundbreaking of the project noted that aside turning the location of the film village into a city, residents will have the opportunity of having access to good schools, hospitals and other basic amenities.
Ayodeji, stated further that: “The film village will have residential buildings, schools, hospitals, lake, swimming pools, palace, exhibition halls, luxury hotels among other things.
“It is our belief that when this project is completed, it will have a great impact in the development of the economy of Oyo State as the film village will be a tourist attraction from all over the world.
“What we are putting up here are things that are not common, therefore, that will prompt tourists to come and visit and in the process, they spend money on food, hotel and transportation. So, in that case, the economic fortune of the immediate community and the state at large will boom.
“Also, our Nollywood artistes will have options to choose from when it comes to where they want to shoot their movies. Of course we have some existing film villages in Oyo State, but when this is completed, I am very sure it will be a force to reckon with.
“By the grace of God, work will commence on the site of the project by January 2025 and latest two years after,m it will be officially inaugurated.”
While performing the turning of the sod, the Ekefa Olubadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi, informed that the project has received a royal blessing and backing from the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, adding that the traditional ruler will give full support to the project from the begining to the end.
Also, speaking at the event, veteran movie actor, Oyewole Olowomojuore, popularly known as Baba Gebu, said, the project is a laudable one, stating that he will make judicious use of his influence to make sure top Nollywood players embrace the project to make it a success.
