In a bid to support the entertainment industry and boost the economy of Ondo State, a lawmaker representing Ondo East/West federal constituency, Mr Abiola Makinde, has laid the foundation for the establishment of Ekiwood Movie Village in Ondo.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Makinde, stated that the vision was clinically conceived together with the Ekiwood Board of Trustees to give a platform to hundreds of youths in Ondo Kingdom to rise to stardom in filmmaking, production and empowerment in a well-developed and concentrated environment as regards the purpose.
Makinde, who facilitated the Ekiwood Movie Village, further noted that entertainment is one of the ‘Es’ newly added to his WEALTH (Water, Education, Agriculture, Light, Training and Health) agenda mantra to make it ‘WEALTH’ in his second term in office in order to drive accelerated development, employment and commerce in Ondo Kingdom.
He further reiterated his unwavering commitment to make Ekiwood into a hub of international face in the film-making industry, unbundling talents and tackling unemployment among the youth populace in Ondo Kingdom.
In his remarks, representatives of Ekiwood Board of Trustees, Idris Mamukuyomi and Enirekan Adewole appreciated the efforts of Hon. Makinde for nominating them as Ekiwood board members and also his commitment so far in bringing the Ekiwood vision into reality.
The duo laid emphasis on the major advantages of the project for Ondo communities which was said to be not only for making blockbuster films in Ondo alone, but also for the incorporation of Ekiwood Cooperative Multipurpose with the hope of giving out soft loans to the entertainers. The board members also noted that the hub is a fertile ground to create employment for hundreds of youths in the entertainment industry.
Speaking at the event, Mr Adebayo Tijani and Allwell Ademola who are notable movie producers and directors in Nollywood remarked that the initiative will go a long way in institutionalising the entertainment industry in Ondo Kingdom and the entire state. (Tribune)