Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, April 12, officially commissioned the KAP Film Village and Resort, a monumental project spearheaded by renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, located in Igbojaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state.
The event, which turned the quiet Igbojaye community into a hub of glitz and celebration, drew dignitaries from across the country. Among them were the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa; Nollywood legends Tade Ogidan and Tunde Kelani; and the Osun State Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Mrs. Nike Adeleke.
Also in attendance were Hon. Shina Oyedeji (O’Shine); PDP Lagos governorship candidate Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adeniran (Jandor); Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole (Wolekanle); Baba Eko; Olumiye Iyanda; Prince Layinka Oyedeji; Soji Oyawoye; Prince Kola Adewusi; and the Oluigbo of Igbojaye.
Academic and industry leaders, including the Vice Chancellor of the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, Prof. Adesola Ajayi; Director-General of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, Dr. Shaibu Husseini; and veteran actress Shola Shobowale, also graced the event.
In his keynote address, Governor Makinde described the KAP Film Village as a landmark achievement that aligns with his administration’s strategic focus on tourism as a driver of economic growth.
“This project speaks directly to the heart of everything we are working towards—our push for infrastructure, economic diversification and job creation through tourism,” Makinde said.
The governor announced immediate steps to ensure the success of the facility, including the rehabilitation of the Okaka-Igbojaye Road to ease access, the installation of a solar mini grid within the resort, and the provision of a dedicated electricity line from Okaka to the site.
He directed the Itesiwaju Local Government to begin rehabilitation of the road without delay, promising to approve the construction cost promptly. “By the time I return here at Christmas, there must be reliable electricity powering this village,” he declared.
Governor Makinde also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to expanding infrastructure across Oyo, noting that the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan is on course to receive its first wide-bodied aircraft by the end of the year—part of the upgrade to full international status.
He revealed plans to build airstrips in Otu and Igbeti for surveillance and tourism purposes. “From the Ibadan Airport, it will take about 20 minutes to reach Otu and 15 minutes more to Igbojaye by air. With good road access, we can make this destination easily reachable for local and international visitors.”
Makinde hailed Kunle Afolayan for choosing to invest in Oyo State despite not being an indigene, saying the project had put Igbojaye on the global tourism map. “This is a win for Oyo State. We want people who can add value, regardless of origin. Come and invest here; we’re open for business.”
The governor was accompanied by top government officials, including the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun; Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal; Special Adviser on Security, COMPOL Fatai Owoseni (rtd); and the Director-General of the Oyo State Investment Promotion Agency (OYSIPA), Mr. Tilewa Folami.
The KAP Film Village and Resort is expected to serve as a creative hub, training ground, and tourist attraction, marking another major step in Oyo State’s journey towards becoming a regional hub for culture, entertainment, and investment.
