Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday inspected the trendy sugar film factory, one of the administration’s iconic projects which seek to refocus the state’s economy for job creation, youth empowerment, and improved standard of living.

Designed to make Kwara a major hub in the last mile movie production and creative industry in west Africa, the facility earned its name from the nostalgic Tate and Lyle Sugar Factory which collapsed in the 1990s, in what underscored the Governor’s rich sense of history.

The project is one of those being funded from the bond the state accessed in 2021.

In a brief interview with reporters at the project site, AbdulRazaq noted that the contents of Nollywood are increasingly dominating the world but that efforts must be geared towards improving production quality for them to compete with Hollywood and Bollywood.

“Our huge investment in the creative industry is to expand the economic base of the state and deepen the creative industry. That’s the way to go. Everyone sees our state as a civil service state. We want to change that. We want to make this state a destination for high-quality movie production,” he told journalists shortly after he was conducted round the facility by Project Manager Kamaldeen Abolarin.

“It is about thinking outside the box. You’ve seen how Nigeria’s music has dominated the world. You’ve seen how Nollywood has dominated the world. It is important for Nollywood to move from what some may call videos to cinematography. It is about expanding the quality of what we produce. So that Nigerian movies can feature more on the international scene. We have very rich contents, but we need to invest in the quality of our production. Our facility offers this.

“Gradually, we are getting there. You’ve seen our films on Netflix and other global platforms but we want more of our films there. What India has done is to improve the quality of films, that’s what we want to offer here in Kwara.”

He expressed satisfaction at the progress of work done, hoping that the contractor will deliver it for operation in the next few months.

“So far, so good. I am impressed. More equipment are coming in. Very soon, we will start film production in the state, and people will be coming in from outside the state to do the last-mile production of their movies in the state. And that means a great boost to the economy,” he added.

“We are open to partnerships, and we, of course, invite film producers and others in the creative industry to work with us.”

The facility, which is the first phase, has been furnished to taste as contractors commence installation of different high-tech gadgets and world-class sound stages and studios.

The film factory, specifically, is equipped with cyclorama studio; 2 TV production studios; large independent film production studio; Green Rooms; makeup facilities; training rooms; photography studios; co-working offices; buildings suites; and large canteen.

Like the innovation hub, international conference centre, industrial park, garment factory, and others, the sugar film factory is carefully linked with the visual arts centre whose components include a Dolby-fitted studio, indicating an emerging local economy built around creative industry, innovation, and enterprise, and dominated by young people.

Rafiu Ajakaye

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

October 4, 2023

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq receives Commander 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin Brigade General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola at Government House, Ilorin.

During the visit, the Governor explored strategies for strengthening security in the state with the Army chief.

Military personnel have made several efforts to dislodge security threats from the state.

The Army chief reiterated that the operations will be sustained to keep the state safer for peaceful and law-abiding residents.

Governorship elections were held in 28 states of the federation during the 2023 general elections held on March 18.

Following the declaration of results and winners by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), other contestants and parties aggrieved by the declared results have gone to the tribunal to seek redress.

Naija News understands the various state governorship election tribunals have given their verdicts in 20 out of the 28 states where elections were held.

Out of the 20 where verdicts have been given so far, the electoral victory of 18 governors have been affirmed, while the tribunals have sacked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State and Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State.

However, the fate of the other eight must be declared before the end of October as according to the 2022 electoral act, tribunals are mandated to hear and give their verdicts within 180 days.

The tribunal would either sack them from office or affirm their victories.

Below is the list of Governors and States awaiting the verdict of the tribunal on their election victories.

1. Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

The Abia State governorship election petition tribunal has fixed Friday, October 6, to deliver its verdict on the fate of the Labour Party governor based on the petition against him by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Chief Ikechi Emenike.

2. Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State

Umar Alkali of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is seeking a court order for a fresh election in the state over omitting their names on the ballot papers during the poll.

3. Governor Umar Namadi Danmodi of Jigawa State

4. Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State

5. Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State

6. Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State

7. Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State

8. Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State