In the ancient city of Abeokuta, where the monumental Olumo Rock stands as an eternal witness to the resilience and creativity of the Egba people, a new chapter is being written—one that promises to redefine Ogun State’s position on Nigeria’s cultural map. As Ogun gears up to host the National Sports Festival in May 2025, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun’s administration is laying the groundwork for a tourism and creative industry renaissance, with a landmark partnership with Terra Kulture leading the way.

The collaboration between Ogun State and Terra Kulture, Nigeria’s foremost cultural institution led by Bolanle Austen-Peters, signals more than just another infrastructure project—it marks a deliberate fusion of heritage, innovation, and economic aspiration. At the heart of this partnership lies the establishment of a world-class Film and Entertainment Village in Abeokuta, designed not only to honor the state’s iconic sons and daughters but also to become a beacon for cultural tourism, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.

A Homecoming for Cultural Giants

Ogun State has long been the birthplace of towering figures who shaped Nigeria’s cultural, intellectual, and political narratives. From the Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti to Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, from the great political icon Chief MKO Abiola to women’s rights pioneer Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti—the roll call of Ogun’s heroes reads like a hall of fame. Abeokuta, with its storied landscapes and vibrant traditions, has nurtured these talents for generations.

The new Film and Entertainment Village will pay homage to this incredible legacy. Planned features include state-of-the-art film studios, performance theaters, creative classrooms, and a Hall of Fame—an ambitious tribute to the artistic and cultural giants whose lives and work continue to inspire Africa and the world. Through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs, visitors will be able to walk in the footsteps of these legends, deepening their understanding of Ogun’s profound cultural impact.

Restoration of Heritage: A City Reawakens

Beyond the new, Ogun State is carefully tending to the old. Key historical sites are being restored to their former glory:

• Olumo Rock, the timeless fortress where the Egba warriors found refuge, is undergoing renovations to enhance visitor experiences while preserving its natural and historical significance.

• The ancestral home of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, an emblem of feminist activism and Pan-African struggle, is being refurbished to serve as a living museum.

• Chief MKO Abiola’s residence, a monument to Nigeria’s democratic evolution, will offer immersive storytelling of his life and legacy.

The colonial-era residence that once hosted Queen Elizabeth II, a rare architectural and historical gem, will be opened to cultural tourists eager to connect with Nigeria’s nuanced colonial past.

This blend of cultural preservation and contemporary innovation embodies the spirit of Abeokuta—a city that has always been a bridge between history and modernity.

Boosting Cultural Tourism and the Creative Economy

As Ogun prepares to welcome over 12,000 visitors during the National Sports Festival, the timing of these projects couldn’t be better. The convergence of sports, culture, and tourism will showcase Abeokuta not merely as a competition venue but as a living museum of Nigeria’s soul.

The Film Village, in particular, will have far-reaching effects. It is poised to attract filmmakers, artists, cultural enthusiasts, and tourists, establishing Ogun as Nigeria’s creative heartland. Moreover, it opens doors for youth empowerment through training centers, mentorship programs, and job creation in the booming Nigerian creative economy—projected to be one of Africa’s fastest-growing sectors.

The expected surge in cultural tourism will also stimulate allied industries, including hospitality, transport, gastronomy, and crafts, creating a ripple effect across the local economy. Markets around Olumo Rock, the bustling Itoku Adire textile center, and new creative hubs will thrum with renewed vibrancy.

Abeokuta: Africa’s New Cultural Steeze Capital

Already revered for its “steeze culture”—a heady mix of indigenous swag, artistic innovation, and intellectual depth—Abeokuta is uniquely positioned to become Africa’s next cultural capital. This project is not about replacing the past but amplifying it for a new generation.

The story of Ogun State’s icons will no longer be confined to history books or oral traditions; it will be experienced through interactive exhibitions, theatrical performances, music festivals, and film screenings that celebrate the state’s unique contributions to global culture.

Governor Abiodun captured this vision aptly:
“We are not just investing in infrastructure; we are investing in inspiration. In Abeokuta, we are building a future where our heritage becomes a launchpad for economic prosperity and creative excellence.”

Conclusion: A Future Rooted in Legacy

The partnership between Ogun State and Terra Kulture represents a blueprint for how cultural tourism and creative industry investment can drive inclusive development. By restoring its historic sites and building new arenas of expression, Abeokuta is poised to captivate not only Nigerians but the world.

As the sun sets over the ancient rocks and rises over the new Film and Entertainment Village, Abeokuta’s story will be retold—louder, prouder, and with a resonance that echoes across generations. The city of rocks is ready to rock the world again.