On Saturday, April 12, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde, inaugurated the KAP Film Village and Resort, a creative initiative by renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, strategically located in Igbojaye, within the Itesiwaju Local Government Area. During this significant occasion, the Governor outlined strategic plans focused on infrastructure improvements, including the immediate rehabilitation of access roads and ensuring a stable electricity supply to boost the facility’s operations.
The inauguration star-studded gathering brought together prominent figures from across the nation, among them Barrister Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, and celebrated Nollywood icons Tade Ogidan and Tunde Kelani, bringing further spotlight on the burgeoning hub of cultural advancement.
Among the list of distinguished guests were Mrs. Nike Adeleke, the Osun State Commissioner for Federal Affairs; Hon. Shina Oyedeji (O’Shine); PDP Lagos governorship candidate Dr. Abdul-Azeez Jide Adeniran (Jandor); and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. Also present were influential personalities such as Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole (Wolekanle), Baba Eko, Olumiye Iyanda, Prince Layinka Oyedeji, Soji Oyawoye, Prince Kola Adewusi, and the ruling leader of Igbojaye, known as the Oluigbo.
Adding to the event’s prominence, eminent figures such as the Vice-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Prof. Adesola Ajayi, and Shola Shobowale, the Director-General of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, took part in the celebrations.
Governor Makinde lauded Kunle Afolayan’s forward-thinking initiative, recognizing the film village as a monumental boost to tourism, cultural evolution, and economic growth within Oyo State. “This film village stands as testament to the transformative potential when innovation aligns with investment,” he remarked, asserting its role in propelling the state onto the international tourism stage.
Reaffirming his leadership’s dedication to infrastructural development and fostering a thriving business climate, Governor Makinde committed to addressing the electricity challenges of the film village. He detailed plans for deploying a solar mini-grid and completing a 23-kilometre power connection from Okaka within a six-month timeframe.
“I will ensure this project has a dependable electricity supply by Christmas. It represents a significant investment, and we will back it with the needed support,” he pledged.
Additionally, the Governor announced plans to enhance road connectivity to the film village, instructing the Chairman of Itesiwaju Local Government to formalize a request for the road project by Monday.
Governor Makinde also shared progress updates on the International Airport under construction in Oyo State, with completion slated between October and November 2025. He revealed that plans are underway to establish airstrips in Otu and Igbeti to bolster security measures and surveillance operations.
“Tourism remains central to our strategic economic diversification,” he emphasized, inviting more investors to drive valuable contributions to the state’s dynamic future.
