By Tunde Akanbi, Ilorin
Last updated Oct 27, 2023
The Kwara State Government in North Central Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering young people in the state by providing them with the necessary skills and opportunities to develop their talents in the creative and entertainment industries.
This commitment is exemplified through the recent establishment of the Visual Arts Center and Sugar Film Factory.
The State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, reiterated this commitment during a meeting with renowned screen icon Kunle Afolayan in her office in Ilorin.
The Visual Arts Centre and Sugar Film Factory projects, according to Olukoju, are significant endeavors undertaken by the current state administration.
She further stated that “once completed, these initiatives will provide a platform for young individuals with a passion for creativity and filmmaking to explore and develop their talents.”
“This will keep our youth engaged, enabling them to tap into their creative potential. The projects will not only benefit our young talents but also contribute significantly to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and economic growth,” she emphasized.
While touring the project with her counterpart from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Technology, Damilola Adelodun, Olukoju commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his foresight and initiatives in establishing the center.
She added that “these projects are not only beneficial to the present generation but also to future generations.”
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the guests for their visit and assured them of the ministry’s support whenever needed.
Kunle Afolayan, an award-winning actor cum director and a proud Kwara indigene, described his visit as a “homecoming.”
He stated, “The Sugar Film Factory is undoubtedly a huge project with immense potential.”
Accompanied by KAP’s Academy Director, Seun Soyinka, Afolayan said, “Projects of this magnitude can attract attention both within and outside the country. As a native of Kwara, I am eager to collaborate with the state government to ensure its success.”
Regarding the purpose of his visit, he said, “I am here to meet with the Commissioner for Communications to discuss our shared interests and partnership opportunities. I have a wide range of opportunities to collaborate with the state, from providing film production and management training to the youth of Kwara, to exploring various aspects of the entertainment industry.”
