by Tolulope Ayileka
Kwara State has just made a triumphant and notable re-entry into the Nigeria movie scene under the leadership of Governor Abdulraman Abdulrazaq.
The State recently established a cinematic studio named “The Sugar Factory”.
While the name does not necessarily give hints of national development and advocacy as it was named after European-founded Sugar Factory “Tate and Lyle Sugar Company” located in Ilorin, Kwara State; the studio is confirmed to be located in the same premises as the company.
While states such as Lagos, Abuja, Onitsha (Anambra), Benin have been from time memorial recognized as traditional movie making states in the county, this move can be interpreted as Kwara’s ambitious entry into Nollywood.
Also, in a bid to attract local talents particularly northern artists who largely practice outside the state, the studio is now managed by Olagbenga Titiloye, a notable figure in the Nigerian cinema.
Beyond the ambition to become a film making hub, Mr Titiloye revealed that the project is in fulfilment to the governor’s promise to generating employment within the employment sector.
While taking media delegates on a tour of the studio, he revealed that the state government has invested significantly on furnishing the studio with state-of-the-art equipment such as cyclorama and TV production studios, film production spaces, make-up facilities, training rooms, photography studios, co-working office, building suites and a large canteen.
Mr Titiloye also stated that the facility is one of the biggest and “clearly a one of its kind in Nigeria and Africa at large”
The studio is set to commence shooting movies in the coming weeks. It will begin shooting movies in two weeks while showcasing it’s preparedness and quality of equipment to be utilized including sets for a series which will be streamed on DSTV.
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