In a bid to maximize the huge economic, cultural and social potentials in Africa through the creative sector, all plans have been concluded to launch a movie titled Adisa Lagos.
This movie is a brainchild of the East-West Amalgamation objective of the AU-ECOSOCC and Continent Building Initiative.
According to The Founder and President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye after playing host to a delegation of the Africa Union Economic, Social & Cultural Council, AU-ECOSOCC led by the Nigerian Representative of the council Hon. John Oba-Olasunkanmi, it is time for Africa to leverage her creativity where she obviously has a huge advantage.
“On the 16-21 of March, we will be in Addis Ababa with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia to launch the East-West Amalgamation and we are starting a movie called Adisa Lagos which will come after a two days retreat with the creative world. We will bring all the creative minds; producers, actresses, actors, choreographers from all the countries in West and East Africa under one roof in a seminar to meet with Professors and the business sector to discuss the opportunities that abound in the creative sector and business opportunities as well, you know that it is called showbiz, so we will discuss the entertainment aspect and the business aspect of the sector. Thereafter, there will be a musical show between East and West African Artistes, and the shooting of the movie Adisa Lagos will commence” he said.
Speaking further, Akinboboye revealed that plans are in top gear for the establishment of Oja Africa which is expected to bring two million visitors to Nigeria in the next one year.
“Oja Africa is a destination and has the potential to bring many people to Africa; we expect two million visitors in this axis over the next one year. It will have 54 African countries fully represented. Visitors will have the opportunity to have a feel of the full state of the African continent
They will not only go through Africa, but Africa will also go through them, and they will smell, chew, eat and feel Africa like never before. It is not their job to that, it behooves on us to force them. Nigeria is the cultural capital of the world with over 400 different cultures” he added.
He also revealed that the establishment of Atunda Entertainment will create a platform for African artists to showcase their creativity.
“African music is the beginning of music in the entire world. We started music. But, there is no single platform anywhere in the world for people to come and connect with African music. We must create a platform for the world to patronize Africa. It is our job to create the platform for any John Doe from Denver Colorado to come to one destination to get the best of African music from the North, South, West, East and Central Africa, we must give them a product that they do not have a choice but to come and patronize” he said.
He went down memory lane to the time when the late afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti will open his rehearsals to the public to come and watch.
“Whenever he is performing, there are about 40 people on stage with him and they earn their livelihood. This is why when the likes of King Sunny Ade go abroad to perform, the venues are always jam-packed because the Europeans can see the full elements of music on display” he added.
Also, speaking during the visit, Oba Olasunkanmi highlighted the seven aspirations of Agenda 2063 which the Council is championing and the various programmes that have been outlined in partnership with the Continent Building Initiative, which Akinboboye would spearhead.
He expressed confidence in the ability of Akinboboye to deliver on the project because he is tested and proven over the years.
The ECOSOCC team also used the occasion of the visit to present a plaque and award to Akinboboye.
Presenting the award, Hon. Quadri-Adu Kehinde, Consultant Policy & Projects Implementation of AU-ECOSOCC is in recognition of the role of Akinboboye in the development of tourism and culture in Africa.
‘This award is in recognition of the role that Akinbobye has played in entrenching culture and tourism in Africa. He is not the only recipient of this award, there are other deserving Nigerians as well who will be recognized’ he said.