…as 48 individuals and four groups benefit from Art Endowment Fund initiated by Governor Oyebanji

The Ekiti State Government has announced plans to establish a Film Village, a state-of-the-art facility designed to attract both local and international filmmakers.

The proposed film village would feature designated areas for epic and contemporary movies, offering an authentic African setting for film productions.

The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasak Ojo-Bakare, who disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti while featuring on the simulcast current affairs radio programme ,”Ekiti Loni, Ekiti Today” stated that the project is expected to boost tourism, generate revenue and create employment opportunities, as filmmakers and their teams would require local services such as accommodation, catering and transportation.

Ojo-Bakare added that Ekiti State is spearheading the Ekiti Parapo War Film Project which is aimed at documenting its rich history, as part of efforts to preserve the State’s cultural heritage and put the historic 19th Century Yoruba Civil War in proper perspective.

He noted that the initiative which is championed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, would be privately funded to ensure sustainability, as Nollywood stars, Bimpe and Lateef Adedimeji have been brought on board for the production, with Bimpe, an Ekiti princess, playing a key role in ensuring authenticity of the movie.

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The Commissioner explained that the ongoing construction of an International Centre for Arts and Culture in Ado Ekiti is to provide a purpose-built facility that would enhance creativity and provide a professional workspace for artists.

Ojo-Bakare who added that the centre would provide a structured environment for artisans, filmmakers and other professionals in the creative industry, explained that the facility would feature a sales point for souvenirs, malls for cultural and traditional items, an editing studio for filmmakers, a research centre on African cultural values—particularly Yoruba and Ekiti heritage and a performance space for ICT-based creatives.

“Many creatives in the State currently work from home without adequate space, making it difficult for them to fully express their talent. This new facility will address that challenge by offering a dedicated space for professionals in the arts and creative industry,” he said.

The Commissioner also revealed that the Oyebanji-led administration has partnered with a bank to establish an Art Endowment Fund, offering financial support to talented individuals in the creative industry.

He noted that 48 individuals and four groups have already benefited from the loan, which carries a 7% interest rate, a two-year moratorium and a three-year repayment plan.

Ojo-Bakare equally disclosed that Ekiti State Performing Arts Company has been invited by the University of Texas, United States, to perform at its annual Black History Month celebration in February, 2025.