About 150 youths from Oyo State sponsored by Governor Seyi Makinde to study filmmaking at Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film and Television Academy have successfully completed their training and graduated on Wednesday, October 15.
The programme, a 10-day intensive filmmaking residency themed “Emerging Stories,” ran from October 6 to 15 at the KAP Film Village and Resort, Igbojaye, in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State — the same location where Netflix’s acclaimed movie Aníkúlápó was filmed.
The initiative, part of Governor Makinde’s youth empowerment and creative industry development agenda, was designed to equip young creatives with hands-on skills in filmmaking, production, and storytelling, thereby fostering job creation and cultural development across the state.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, held at the KAP Film Village, renowned filmmaker and founder of the academy, Kunle Afolayan, commended the participants for their commitment throughout the rigorous training. He urged them to put their newly acquired skills to use in telling authentic African stories that promote cultural identity and drive social change.
Afolayan said, “You have been taken through the entire process of filmmaking — from scripting, directing, production, to post-production. I encourage you to use this knowledge to impact society positively and promote our identity through film.”
The residency featured intensive workshops, practical sessions, and mentorship from some of Nigeria’s most respected figures in the film industry, including Tunde Kelani, Joke Silva, Kunle Afolayan, and other notable professionals, who shared their wealth of experience with the young filmmakers.
The graduation event was attended by the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Wasiu Olatubosun, who represented Governor Makinde, along with several traditional rulers and dignitaries. Olatubosun congratulated the graduates and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to investing in youth development and supporting the creative economy.
He noted that the Makinde-led administration would continue to forge partnerships that empower young people, reduce unemployment, and position Oyo State as a cultural and creative hub in Nigeria.
