Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq embarked on a tour of the exciting sugar film factory on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ambitious drive to revamp its economy, create jobs, empower youth, and elevate living standards.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye, the designed to transform Kwara into a prominent center for last-mile movie production and the creative industry in West Africa, the state-of-the-art facility is an integral part of Governor AbdulRazaq’s vision. Named in homage to the nostalgic Tate and Lyle Sugar Factory, which fell into decline in the 1990s, the project symbolizes the Governor’s deep appreciation for the state’s history.
Funded through the bond the state accessed in 2021, the sugar film factory is set to reshape the landscape of the creative industry in the region. During a brief interview with reporters at the project site, Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized the importance of elevating the quality of Nigerian film production to compete on a global scale with Hollywood and Bollywood.
“Our significant investment in the creative industry aims to diversify our state’s economic base and fortify the creative sector. We are determined to alter the perception of Kwara as a civil service-centric state. Instead, we intend to make it a preferred destination for top-notch movie production,” Governor AbdulRazaq affirmed.
He continued, “We need to think outside the box. Nigeria’s music and Nollywood have gained global recognition, but it’s essential for Nollywood to shift from what some might consider ‘videos’ to cinematography. We must enhance the quality of our productions so that Nigerian films can feature more prominently on the international stage. Our state-of-the-art facility provides precisely that.”
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and anticipates that the contractor will complete it for operation in the coming months. He said, “Things are progressing well, and I am genuinely impressed. Additional equipment is on the way. Soon, we will initiate film production in the state, attracting talent from across the country to undertake the last-mile production of their movies here. This will undoubtedly give our economy a significant boost.”
He concluded by saying, “We are open to partnerships and enthusiastically invite film producers and creative industry stakeholders to collaborate with us.”
The first phase of the facility has been meticulously furnished, and contractors are installing state-of-the-art equipment, world-class sound stages, and studios. The sugar film factory boasts impressive features, including a cyclorama studio, two TV production studios, a large independent film production studio, green rooms, makeup facilities, training rooms, photography studios, co-working offices, building suites, and a spacious canteen.
Much like the innovation hub, international conference center, industrial park, garment factory, and other initiatives, the sugar film factory is seamlessly linked with the visual arts center. This integration signifies the emergence of a local economy built around the creative industry, innovation, and entrepreneurship, primarily driven by the youth.
