The Nigerian film industry, fondly known as Nollywood, is witnessing a monumental shift from makeshift sets to world-class infrastructure. In a move that has sent ripples of excitement through the creative community, veteran actor and industry titan Dele Odule has officially unveiled his film village in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. This landmark development marks a significant milestone in Odule’s career, as he transitions from being a screen icon to a provider of the very soil upon which future cinematic masterpieces will be built.
The facility, located in the serene environment of Ijebu Ode (with extensions reaching into the Ijebu Oru axis), is designed to be a comprehensive production hub. It aims to bridge the gap in quality production spaces, offering filmmakers a dedicated environment tailored for both film and television projects.
The news of the unveiling was further amplified by fellow star Muyiwa Ademola, who visited the site and shared a glowing tribute on Instagram. Sharing a video of the expansive facility, he wrote:
"What an amazing project! Went visiting my Mentor’s facility in Ijebu Oru! What an awesome effort from one of our living legends himself. Though yet to be officially unveiled but, I just have to let you have a feel of what to expect. It is such a beautiful creative base, housing lots of this. Prepare to go with us on this journey. Congratulations once again boss @deleodule_ ."
By embarking on this ambitious project, Dele Odule has officially joined an elite league of visionary filmmakers who are taking the private sector approach to solving Nollywood's infrastructure deficit. He follows in the footsteps of industry giants like Kunle Afolayan, Ibrahim Chatta, and Bolanle Austen-Peters, all of whom have established their own creative empires.
A Growing Legacy of Private Film Cities
For years, Nigeria has seen various attempts at creating film hubs. The Delta State Leisure Park and Film Village in Asaba (Anwai) stands as a notable government-backed success, consistently hosting professionals and major events.
Conversely, the industry remembers the ambitious but now-defunct Tinapa Resort in Cross River State, which once sought to be Africa’s premier filmmaking mecca. However, the current revolution is being led by individuals, filmmakers who understand that to tell authentic stories, they must control the environment in which those stories are born.
Kunle Afolayan: KAP Film Village and Resort
In 2022, Kunle Afolayan set the gold standard with the launch of the KAP Film Village and Resort in Igbojaye, Oyo State. Sprawling across 60 acres, Afolayan created a space where production meets luxury.
Originally birthed from a need for authentic historical settings for his Netflix hit Aníkúlápó, the village has since birthed other projects like Ijogbon and Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre. It serves as a dual-purpose haven for both creativity and tourism.
Bolanle Austen-Peters: BAP Film Village
In 2024, the "Queen of Nigerian Theatre," Bolanle Austen-Peters, added another feather to her cap with the BAP Film Village in Epe, Lagos. In a remarkably short timeframe, she transformed 10,000 acres of dense greenery into a vibrant production ecosystem. The facility was the backbone for the 18th-century Oyo Empire epic House of Ga’a. Much like Odule’s new venture, the BAP Film Village is open for both commercial filmmaking and recreational visits.
Ibrahim Chatta: Africhatta Film Village and Resorts
In 2023, actor and producer Ibrahim Chatta unveiled the stunning Africhatta Film Village in Oyo town. Valued at approximately ₦1.4 billion and spanning 74 acres, Africhatta is a cultural masterpiece featuring traditional Yoruba architecture, including thatched houses and intricate artworks.
The facility has quickly gained traction as a production hotspot, hosting projects like Iyalode by Toyin Abraham and Lisabi.
The Future of the "Film Village" Movement
Dele Odule’s entry into this league signifies a maturing industry. It is no longer just about acting; it is about building an ecosystem that supports the next generation. As Odule opens his doors in Ogun State, the movement continues to spread across the country. In the East, filmmaker Okechukwu Oku (widely known for Black Rose) is currently developing the Oracle Films Village in Enugu, ensuring that the infrastructure boom is truly national.
With the unveiling of the Dele Odule Film Village, the veteran actor has secured his legacy not just as a performer, but as a builder of the industry. For filmmakers, this means more choices, better production values, and a future where the "African Story" is told in a space designed specifically for its brilliance.