50th Birthday: Fasola, Adeleke, others storm Ife as Ooni unveils first indigenous community cinema, film & talent city

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has on Thursday (October 17, 2024) unveiled the Ojaja Film & Talent City and Ojaja Cinema; Nigeria’s first Indigenous community cinema in the presence of top dignitaries including the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke and former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, SAN. The launching is part of activities marking His Majesty’s 50th birthday anniversary.

Giving a deep breakdown, Ooni Ogunwusi explained that the Ojaja Cinema and Ojaja Film City are products of his huge love and interest in the country’s creative industry, as well as his quest to assist young talented individuals to realize their dreams.

“We are taking off from the premises of Ife Grand Resort here in the kingdom of Ife with the first ever fully indigenous community cinemas and then spread across the entire country with cumulative 100,000 seater community cinemas over the next two years. We are almost done with that of Akure (Ondo State) as well as Lagos among others.

“Almost everything here is sourced locally, I am talking about over 90 per cent which shows the country’s potential and supports the fact that we do not need forex to achieve most developmental goals as a country.

“This maiden structure in Ile-Ife is a 185 seater two-room facility with modern gadgets that offers maximum comfort and satisfaction for all. Home videos and movies that we know today started with cinemas and staged plays laced with teachings that helped shape our communities, these are the things we are rebranding with modernity for pleasure and all-round development. “ The Ooni said.

The frontline monarch who noted that the bigger plan is to build one of the biggest film and talent discovery cities in Ile-Ife, explained that reputable institutions of learning including the Ojaja University, Eyenkorin Kwara State, which he owns will be engaged in cultivating a beneficial town-gown relationship.

“My direct interaction with young Nigerians particularly on our campuses reveals to me that the country has not fully tapped into their potential. I am glad that our Afrobeat music has become an asset across Africa and beyond but I am confident that we can do more in the global entertainment arena, especially by telling our stories through cinema and films.

“Just imagine the number of employment that can be generated from a successful movie presentation, musical display and its like. These are the advantages associated with the entertainment industry, it will equally boost the country’s economy and generate huge foreign exchange.” The Ooni added.

Turning of sud for the Ojaja Film & Talent City was done by Governor Adeleke while former Governor of Lagos State and ex-Minister of Works & Housing, Babatunde Fasola, SAN commissioned the Ojaja Cinema.