NFVCB’s Shaibu Husseini Commends Oyebanji’s Innovative Progress In Ekiti State

According to Ireporter Online, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, has commended the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, for what he described as bold, visionary and innovative efforts aimed at repositioning the arts, culture, and creative economy as a major pillar of development in the state.

Dr. Husseini gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Rasaki Ojo Bakare, to the NFVCB headquarters, where both parties engaged in extensive discussions on ongoing and future initiatives within the creative industry.

During the engagement, Prof. Bakare underscored the importance of the state government’s backing for the historical film project titled “Kiriji: The Ekiti-Parapo War”, as well as its strategic investment in the creative sector, including the establishment of an endowment fund to support industry practitioners. He revealed that the Ekiti State Government actively facilitated and supported the production of the film, which was executed by Lateef Adedimeji and Adebimpe Adedimeji under their AL Notions Company.

He further disclosed that filming lasted over four months across various locations in Ekiti State and involved more than 12,000 participants, including cast, crew members, and service providers. According to him, the governor’s support was a deliberate strategy to promote tourism, generate employment, and showcase the state’s cultural heritage, adding that approval has been granted to convert the primary filming location into a dedicated film village currently under development.

Prof. Bakare also noted that these initiatives reflect the practical implementation of Governor Oyebanji’s Shared Prosperity Agenda, which prioritises inclusive economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development through the creative industry.

In his response, Dr. Husseini applauded the decision to transform the filming site into a film village, describing it as a transformative step capable of positioning Ekiti State as a leading destination for film production and cultural tourism. He added that the project would attract further investment and strengthen the state’s creative ecosystem.

He also praised the establishment of an endowment fund for creatives, describing it as a strategic intervention designed to improve access to financing, enhance content development, and support industry growth. The fund reportedly offers production loans at a single-digit interest rate of 7 percent, with repayment structured over eighteen months.

Dr. Husseini further assured the Ekiti State Government of the NFVCB’s readiness to provide technical support and regulatory guidance to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the film village project and other audiovisual initiatives. He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to collaborating with sub-national governments to promote responsible storytelling, preserve cultural heritage, and unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s creative sector.