Sanwo-Olu: We’ve Made Lagos a Creative Industry Hotspot

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his commitment to positioning Lagos as a leading enabler for the creative industry, ensuring it thrives on a global scale.

Speaking on Sunday at the State House, Marina, Sanwo-Olu hosted Toyosi Ogunsiji, producer of Makemation—Africa’s first feature film on Artificial Intelligence (AI)—ahead of its April 18 premiere in cinemas. The event gathered key stakeholders, including filmmakers, producers, and actors, to discuss the future of AI in entertainment.

Expressing his excitement about the film’s innovation, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the power of envisioning in the creative space.

“We need to coordinate so our voices are heard—our future is now,” he stated.

The Governor emphasized the government’s role as a facilitator for creative industry growth, ensuring the right structures and opportunities are in place.

“As a government, we need to do the heavy lifting. This is a game-changer—integrating AI into our creative sector will propel us forward,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu assured stakeholders that the Lagos State Government remains a strong partner in fostering innovation, urging industry players to embrace new technologies to drive global competitiveness.

Makemation and the Future of AI in Film

Producer Toyosi Ogunsiji emphasized that the future of filmmaking is already here, noting that despite its tech-driven nature, AI and robotics will still rely on human creativity.

“Lagos is not just a city of potential—it is a city of possibilities,” she said.

She further stressed the need for Nigeria to transition from being consumers of innovation to active creators, shaping the global digital economy.

Lagos Leads the Digital Revolution in Creative Arts

State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, reiterated that while Lagos is home to immense creative talent, there is a critical need to provide platforms that translate skills into impactful contributions.

“The future of creative arts lies in technology. Lagos has already positioned itself at the forefront of the digital revolution for the creative sector,” she stated.

With Lagos taking a proactive role in merging technology and creativity, the State continues to solidify its reputation as Africa’s creative and digital powerhouse.