… Donates N350 Million to Boost Kwara’s Film Industry and Showcase State’s Cultural Heritage
… Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s Legacy Project Poised to Elevate Nollywood, Continental Film Production
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday expressed excitement over the world-class facilities at the Sugar Factory Film Studio in Ilorin, declaring that Kwara State is primed to revolutionize Nigeria’s creative industry. The studio, a legacy project of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has been hailed by industry veterans as one of the best-equipped film production hubs in Nigeria and Africa.
During her tour of the studio, Senator Tinubu marveled at its cutting-edge equipment, sound stages, and post-production suites, describing the facility as a “jaw-dropping” investment in Nigeria’s cultural and economic future. “What I have seen here today is extraordinary. Kwara is clearly prepared to cause a major upset in the Nigerian creative industry.” she said.
A Hub for African Storytelling
The Sugar Factory Film Studio, conceptualized under Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration, is designed to position Kwara as a premier destination for film and television production. Equipped with advanced technology, including high-definition cameras, editing suites, and soundproof stages, the studio aims to attract local and international filmmakers, reducing the need for Nigerian producers to seek facilities abroad.
Industry veterans and creatives who have toured the studio have endorsed its capacity to rival top studios in Lagos, South Africa, and beyond. “This facility is a game-changer. It has everything needed to produce blockbuster movies and series right here in Kwara,” said a veteran Nollywood director who participated in the studio’s test runs.
Senator Tinubu emphasized the studio’s potential to create jobs, empower youth, and showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world. This aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s agenda to harness Nigeria’s creative talents for national development, she added that the studio’s emergence dovetails with the federal government’s push to expand the creative economy, which currently contributes over 2% to Nigeria’s GDP.
To boost the state’s creative ambitions, Senator Tinubu donated N350 million to produce a major film highlighting the state’s culture and traditions. The donation, hailed by the state government and residents, will fund a movie project that showcases Kwara’s unique heritage globally while creating opportunities for local filmmakers and actors. Her Excellency’s generosity is a sign of her deep commitment to Kwara’s development. With industry analyst hopeful that the gnerous donation will open doors for more talents.
Governor AbdulRazaq, who accompanied the First Lady on the tour, reiterated his administration’s commitment to diversifying Kwara’s economy through investments in innovation, culture, and technology. “The Sugar Factory Film Studio is more than a creative space; it is an economic catalyst. We are creating an ecosystem where talent meets opportunity, and where African stories are told with global appeal,” he said.
The studio is part of a broader creative cluster in Kwara that includes the Visual Arts Centre and the recently commissioned Innovation Hub, both designed to nurture talent across the arts and tech sectors.
