Haba! How Gov Seyi Makinde Stole the Show at Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film Village Inauguration – Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq

OMG! There are governors… and then there are visionaries. In Nigeria, few leaders truly recognize the untapped potential of tourism and the creative industry. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has proven himself to be one of those rare leaders who do.

The inauguration of Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film Village and Resort in Igbojaiye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area, was meant to be a celebration of the filmmaker’s audacious dream. Afolayan had poured billions into creating a cultural sanctuary far removed from the bustling urban centers of Lagos or Abuja. Yet, what began as a filmmaker’s triumph turned into an unforgettable moment of state-backed transformation when Governor Makinde arrived.

Over 600 guests from across Nigeria braved long distances to witness the unveiling of this multi-billion-naira creative marvel. The facility stood majestic—an oasis powered solely by diesel, as Afolayan revealed in his speech. He recounted sleepless nights and sacrifices made to build something purely African yet globally competitive. Igbojaiye, a quiet village, had become a destination for culture and creativity.

Then came Makinde.

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The Governor, visibly impressed by Afolayan’s vision, praised the project as “monumental and transformational.” But he didn’t stop at words. Like scenes from a gripping drama, Makinde rolled out promises that stunned the audience:

The road from Ipapo to Igbojaiye would be fixed.

Two transformers would be delivered immediately.

A direct power connection from Iseyin would be installed.

A mini solar grid would be added to the resort’s infrastructure.

An airstrip near the resort would be constructed for tourism and security purposes.

The crowd erupted in applause as these announcements transformed what was meant to be a ceremonial launch into a revolution for rural development.

Dignitaries like Minister Hannatu Musawa, Tunde Kelani, Hon. Shina Peller, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and others were awestruck—not just by the scale of Afolayan’s vision but by Makinde’s decisive support. The Oba of Igbojaiye and locals could hardly contain their joy as their once-forgotten village became the epicenter of Nigeria’s creative future.

Makinde didn’t just attend an event; he redefined it. By aligning state resources with private vision, he turned Afolayan’s dream into a public-private alliance for cultural tourism and rural transformation.

In the end, the day belonged to two men: Kunle Afolayan, whose determination brought global attention to Igbojaiye, and Governor Seyi Makinde, whose leadership ensured that dream would flourish beyond imagination. Together, they rewrote history—not just for Igbojaiye but for Nigeria’s creative industry at large.

Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq