Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has expressed appreciation to renowned filmmaker Mr Kunle Afolayan and other Nollywood veterans who graced the open-air film show organized as part of activities marking the ongoing 50th Anniversary of Oyo State.
The open-air cinema event was organized by the Oyo State Government in collaboration with Kunle Afolayan, founder of the KAP Film Village, the first film village in Oyo State. The event featured the screening of the classic 1983 film “Taxi Driver,” produced by the late legendary filmmaker Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade Love), Kunle Afolayan’s father.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde described the film show as a memorable cultural experience that celebrated the state’s rich creative heritage.
“We had an amazing time last night watching Taxi Driver, produced in 1983 by Adeyemi Afolayan, at the #OyoStateAt50 Open Air Film Show organized by my brother, Kunle Afolayan, in Ibadan,” the governor said.
He noted that the film screenings were held across the different zones of the state, ensuring widespread participation in the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
“I want to once again thank all the Nollywood veterans who graced the occasion. I encourage all Oyo State citizens to participate fully in the ongoing activities to mark our dear state’s Golden Jubilee,” Makinde added.
Several prominent Nollywood icons attended the event, including Prince Jide Kosoko, veteran Actor and filmmaker; Mr Tunde Kelani, renowned film producer and director; Mr Adebayo Salami; Mr Bolaji Amusan (Mr Latin), President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN); Fathia Balogun, and other leading figures in the Nigerian film industry.
The open-air film show formed part of the state’s efforts to promote arts, culture and tourism while celebrating Oyo State’s 50 years of creation, showcasing Nollywood’s role in preserving Nigeria’s cultural identity.
