By Victor Okoye
Veteran Nollywood icon, Joke Silva, has expressed deep concern over the neglect of the once-celebrated Tinapa Film Village, calling for urgent steps to restore it to its “former glory” as a center of creativity, cultural pride, and film excellence.
Speaking in Abuja, Silva noted that the Tinapa Film Village, once envisioned as a hub for filmmaking, tourism, and entertainment in Nigeria, now lies dormant—its infrastructure underutilized and its potential untapped.
“Tinapa was built to be Nigeria’s Hollywood. It had world-class studios, sound stages, and accommodation for filmmakers. But today, it’s a ghost of its promise,” she lamented.
“It breaks my heart because that place had the potential to transform our film industry and create jobs for thousands of young Nigerians.”
The Tinapa Film Village, located in Calabar, Cross River State, was conceived in the early 2000s as part of a grand vision to transform the state into a creative and economic hub. Despite its cutting-edge facilities, it suffered years of mismanagement, underfunding, and declining government attention.
Silva, one of Nigeria’s most respected actors and cultural advocates, emphasized that reviving Tinapa is not just about restoring infrastructure—it’s about rekindling a dream.
“If we can breathe life into Tinapa again, we can revive the heartbeat of Nollywood in the South-South region,” she said.
“It could become a place where global investors, filmmakers, and tourists converge. But it requires vision, political will, and public-private collaboration.”
Her comments come at a time when the Cross River State Government is preparing to host an International Investment Summit in London, from November 17–19, themed “Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Sustainable Growth with the People’s First Agenda of Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.”
The summit aims to attract global investors, engage the diaspora, and spotlight strategic sectors including tourism, agriculture, ICT, renewable energy, and creative industries—areas directly connected to the Tinapa vision.
According to Hon. Ignatius Oli, Chairperson of the Central Planning Committee, the summit is designed to “position Cross River as a competitive investment destination in West Africa” and “unlock partnerships that will fuel economic growth.”
“This summit is not just about attracting funds,” Oli explained.
“It’s about building long-term partnerships that align with Governor Otu’s ‘People’s First’ agenda and create sustainable development.
“Registration details are available via https://cridcom.crossriverstate.gov.ng/crs-investment-summit.
“For further enquiries, contact: Hon. Ignatius Oli, Chairperson, Central Planning Committee, Cross River State Diaspora Commission.
“The Email is-ignatius.oli@cridcom.crossriverstate.gov.ng.
“Tel: +49 152 1614 8256,” he said.
Observers believe that Silva’s appeal for the revitalization of Tinapa aligns perfectly with the creative industry and tourism focus of the London summit. Reviving the Film Village could offer investors an entry point into Nigeria’s billion-dollar entertainment sector—one of the fastest-growing in Africa.
Prince Otu Okor, Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission, described the upcoming summit as a “turning point for diaspora-led investments.”
“Our people in the diaspora are not spectators—they are vital partners in the state’s transformation agenda,” Okor said.
“The creative economy, including projects like Tinapa, will be a major discussion point. We invite stakeholders like Joke Silva and others in Nollywood to collaborate.”
Femi Oyelade, Creative Director and Event Producer @Say It Loud Africa suggests that a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model could be adopted for Tinapa, leveraging both local expertise and international capital to transform the once-abandoned complex into a thriving creative city.
Following Silva’s remarks, Nigerians took to social media to express support and frustration over the state of Tinapa, while urging the government to prioritize its revival. Below are some reactions and comments by Nigerians on X
@Nkechi_Arts:
“Joke Silva is absolutely right! Tinapa could have been Nigeria’s own Disney studio. It’s painful to see it wasted. Let’s bring it back!”
@FilmpreneurNaija:
“If Cross River can link Tinapa’s revival to the London Investment Summit, investors in film tech and tourism will jump at it. The infrastructure already exists!”
@EmekaWrites:
“Madam Joke Silva always speaks with wisdom. Tinapa’s failure was not about ideas—it was about continuity. Governments start projects and abandon them halfway.”
@IjeomaLagos:
“This is the time to act! With the investment summit coming up in London, the world will be watching. Tinapa should be part of that conversation.”
@BasseyUK (Diaspora Comment):
“As a Cross Riverian in the UK, I plan to attend the summit. I’ll be happy to see Tinapa included in the investment agenda. It’s our pride.”
@Calabar_Tourism:
“Reviving Tinapa means reviving tourism. More jobs, more films, more visitors. Thank you Joke Silva for speaking up at the right time!”
@NgoziFilmAcademy:
“Imagine Tinapa hosting Netflix productions, Nollywood blockbusters, and film festivals. That’s the vision we need to push again.”
“Tinapa’s revival could merge film and tech—virtual production, animation, AI cinematography. Cross River must think big.”
@JideOkafor:
“Kudos to the Cross River State Government for the London summit. Please don’t forget Tinapa—it’s a goldmine waiting to shine.”
@NaijaInvestorUK:
“I’m an investor in creative real estate. If the government provides clear incentives, Tinapa could be the new home of African film production.”
As Cross River prepares for its London Investment Summit, Silva’s call serves as a timely reminder that reviving dormant assets like Tinapa is key to sustainable growth.
Industry watchers believe that if Tinapa Film Village is repositioned within the summit’s tourism and creative economy agenda, it could once again become a magnet for filmmakers, investors, and tourists—fulfilling the original vision that inspired its creation.
“Tinapa can still rise,” Silva said with optimism.
“But it will take commitment, creativity, and collaboration between government, investors, and the Nigerian people.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)