The Kwara State Sugar Factory Film Studios, established by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration yesterday, unveiled its first film, Ajuwaya Series.
The movie – 85 per cent of which was executed in the state-of-the-art studios – was financed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who supported the facility with N350m.
At a media briefing for the project’s unveiling in Lorin, the studios’ managing director, Gbenga Titiloye, said the movie stands the chance of attracting direct foreign investment “because this is the only functional film studio in Africa.”
He commended the governor’s foresight and his administration’s resolve to create a platform that nurtures artistry, innovation, and economic vitality.
“Today, we celebrate a milestone that marks not just the completion of a facility, but the dawn of a new era in Nigerian cinema and cultural expression—the successful completion of the Ajuwaya project.
“This moment is a testament to what can be achieved when vision, perseverance, and collaborative effort converge for the common good.
The Governor has achieved foreign direct investment here because this is the only functional film studio in Africa, and 85% of this movie was filmed here.
“His Excellency’s willingness to champion a film studio in Nigeria demonstrates a bold strategic mind and a deep faith in our people and their talent. It is through that foresight and resolve that we have arrived at this moment: a state-backed endeavour that nurtures artistry, innovation, and economic vitality”, he said.
Titiloye also appreciated Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s generous donation to the Sugar Factory Studios, adding that her gesture reflected the spirit of national renewal and investment in the creative economy.
“This grant (from the First Lady) is more than funding; it is a signal, a beacon, and a pledge that Nigeria will not only tell its stories but export them with pride and excellence,” he said.
Speaking on the lessons to gain from Ajuwaya, Titiloye said the movie exemplifies how national and regional efforts can combine to create durable infrastructure for culture and economy.
The deputy chief of staff to the governor, Princess Olubukola Babalola, urged the youth to take advantage of the Sugar Film Studios to tap into the creative industry, saying theatre work is a model to reflect modern society.
The commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanke Olukoju, described the production of the Ajuwaya Series as a big win for the state, saying it signals the beginning of a new ecosystem in the subnational creative industry.
“For us in Kwara State, the creative industry is a big ecosystem. During the time of shooting this film, 1,211 participated. People benefited a lot; we have fashion designers, caterers, transporters, artisans, and if we can have this regularly, it will open up the ecosystem of the creative industry. Every part of the economy benefited while producing the film,” she said.
