Abuja: Veteran Nollywood actress, Joke Silva, has raised concerns about the neglect of the Tinapa Film Village in Calabar, urging immediate action to restore the facility to its original purpose and potential.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Silva highlighted that Tinapa was originally envisioned as a hub for film-making, tourism, and entertainment, but currently stands dormant with its facilities underutilized and deteriorating. Silva remarked that the village was meant to be Nigeria’s equivalent of Hollywood, featuring world-class studios, sound stages, and accommodations for film-makers. However, the current state of the village, which she describes as a “ghost of its promise,” deeply concerns her. She emphasized that Tinapa had the potential to revolutionize the Nigerian film industry and provide employment opportunities for many young Nigerians.
The Tinapa Film Village, conceived in the early 2000s, was designed to establish Cross River as a creative and economic hub. Nevertheless, it has faced years of neglect and insufficient funding. Silva stressed that reviving Tinapa should not be limited to infrastructure repairs, but should also reignite the dream that once inspired the creative industry in Nigeria and across the continent. She noted that revitalizing Tinapa could attract global investors, filmmakers, and tourists, provided there is vision, political will, and collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Her comments come in anticipation of the Cross River International Investment Summit, scheduled for November 17 to 19 in London. The summit, themed “Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Sustainable Growth with the People’s First Agenda,” aims to draw investors, engage the diaspora, and spotlight sectors such as tourism, ICT, renewable energy, and creative industries, all of which align with Tinapa’s original vision for the state.
Mr. Ignatius Oli, Chairperson of the Central Planning Committee, stated that the summit’s objective is to position Cross River as a leading investment destination in West Africa. He highlighted that the event is not solely about attracting funds but also about building partnerships that align with Governor Otu’s People’s First Agenda and promote sustainable growth.
Similarly, Mr. Otu Okor, Chairman of the Cross River Diaspora Commission, described the summit as a turning point for diaspora-driven investment in the state’s economy. He emphasized that the creative economy, including projects like Tinapa, will be a significant discussion point at the summit.
Femi Oyelade, Creative Director of Say It Loud Africa, suggested that a Public-Private Partnership model could transform Tinapa into a thriving creative city powered by local expertise and foreign capital. Observers believe Silva’s call aligns with the state’s renewed push to attract investment into its creative and tourism sectors through the upcoming summit. They contend that reviving Tinapa could re-establish Cross River as a major film and tourism hub while boosting economic growth and youth employment.