Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has mapped out plans to establish a full fledged Film Village in the ancient city.
The Chief Executive Officer of Adire Oodua Textile Hub and Executive Producer of the Ladire TV series, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi revealed this while delivering her welcome address at the premiere of ‘LADIRE’; a Television Series coined to promote the traditional Tie & Die (Adire) industry in furtherance of his promotion of the inherited Africa culture.
Princess Ademiluyi revealed that the initiative is a product of the Ooni’s continuous quest for youth development and capacity building adding,”Ladire is was conceptualized by the Ooni to see how to do more for the youths through the entertainment industry while we promote the trade and skills of tie & die (Adire). I am glad that our fathers, mothers and others who came here to watch the premiere today showed love and support.” Princess Ademiluyi stated and our partner Mr Adeleye Fabusoro of Rare Edge Media was able to turn the concept of the Ooni to a 60 episode TV series showing now on Africa Magic Yoruba.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ooni, the Sooko Omoniyi of the Source, Sooko Kemade Elugbaju, lauded the cast and crew for a job well done, stressing that the production is of international standard.
His words, “What we see in Nollywood and Hollywood is not better than this. What this tells us is that we can go very far if we look inward and this is Kabiyesi’s advocacy since he became the Ooni. Look at the costumes, locations and characters, you will agree with me that they tell the stories beyond words of mouth. I give kudos to those involved in this and I call in Nigerians, especially, those of the Oodua origin to support this work.”
Speaking on behalf of other members of the crew, veteran actor Pa Peter Fatomilola thanked the audience for spending time to attend and watch the premiere, noting that what they just saw is a tip of the iceberg.
Pa Fatomilola said, “Measures are currently in place to get this all homes via various viewing channels including the DSTV, YouTube and many more. When we finally get there, we look forward to seeing your support.”
