Ogun to set up film, Entertainment Village
…Renovate tourism sites, establish Hall of Fame for State’s heroes
The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced that the state government will partner with Terra Kulture, a private sector arts and culture company, to establish a film and entertainment village in Ogun State.
According to the Governor, the proposed film village will serve as a platform for preserving the legacies of individuals who have pioneered and excelled in music, film, drama, and entertainment.
Governor Abiodun made the announcement when he hosted the Chief Executive Officer of Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen Peters, at his Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta. He expressed that the Ogun State Government is fully committed to investing in the project.
“From the beginning of our administration, we had the vision of creating a creative arts and entertainment zone. However, upon assuming office, we found ourselves grappling with numerous pressing priorities. Our immediate focus was on addressing issues that directly impact the lives of the people,” he explained.
He continued, “Only when people are comfortable and content can they focus on relaxation and entertainment. We prioritised that, and now, having made significant progress, our attention in the last year has been on advancing the fields of culture, music, and entertainment.”
Governor Abiodun expressed optimism about the project’s future, stating that he hopes to see the first phase of the development take shape within the next 60 days, with plans for a groundbreaking ceremony before the 60-day mark.
“We are excited to invest in this venture alongside you, and we are keen to entrust the operation and management of the film village to you as well,” he said.
The Governor also revealed that his administration, as part of its commitment to developing the state’s culture and tourism sector, has begun the restoration of significant historical and architectural buildings at Olumo Rock.
In line with this, he shared plans to renovate and repaint notable sites such as Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s mother’s home, MKO Abiola’s home, and the house where the Queen of England was received, using bright colours like blue and yellow.
“We are now focusing on our heritage sites and are determined to restore and enhance them, making them more attractive to tourists. Ogun State boasts several heritage sites, and we are committed to improving their appeal and hospitality,” he added.
Governor Abiodun further mentioned that the state is preparing for the National Sports Festival, set to take place in May, which will see approximately 12,000 to 15,000 visitors. He stated that the festival will be a significant opportunity for the state to showcase its offerings.
“We want to ensure that Ogun State is ready to accommodate this influx of visitors, not only for the festival but also to experience what our state has to offer,” he remarked.
The Governor also proposed the establishment of a Hall of Fame to celebrate the achievements of Ogun State’s heroes, ensuring that future generations are inspired by their stories.
In her address, the CEO of Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen Peters, expressed her company’s enthusiasm about the partnership with Ogun State. She revealed that they are working to develop a world-class tourist destination that will be a first for Nigeria.
Austen Peters shared that Terra Kulture is focused on celebrating Ogun State’s heroes and providing a dedicated space where visitors can learn about the state’s influential figures.
“We are eager to honour our heroes, including iconic figures like Fela and Wole Soyinka, who hail from Ogun State. We plan to create a space where people, especially students and tourists, can visit to learn about these remarkable individuals,” she said.
She added that the film village, once completed, will contribute significantly to the state’s economy, fostering a thriving ecosystem around Ogun State’s cultural space.
“The film village is a key part of this project. It will bring international filmmakers and artists to Ogun State, provide a platform for education, and create wealth for the state. This is an Ogun State project, and we are proud to partner with them,” she concluded.
