Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, Executive Vice Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Verdant Zeal Group, Africa’s fast-rising multinational marketing communications powerhouse and the Asiwaju of Ara Kingdom, has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Ara, Osun State, into a thriving hub for Nigeria’s creative economy.
While reflecting on the future of film and cultural enterprise, Olugbodi in a statemet obtained by Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com) emphasized that “creative infrastructure begins creating value before a film ever reaches the screen.” He explained that film production is not just about cameras and sets, but about the ecosystem of equipment, construction, transportation, accommodation, food, technology, legal services, marketing, and distribution that fuels local economies.
At the heart of this vision is TOP Film Village, a 50-hectare, self-sustaining creative ecosystem designed to serve filmmakers, production companies, content creators, and entertainment businesses. More than a shooting location, the project aims to integrate professional training, cultural preservation, hospitality, tourism, and regional commerce—positioning Ara as a global destination for creative enterprise.
Olugbodi stressed that a film village should not be “an isolated collection of buildings,” but a dynamic environment that nurtures skills, sustains businesses, and stimulates economic activity. By treating creative infrastructure as economic infrastructure, he believes Nigeria can unlock new opportunities for enterprise, innovation, and global cultural exchange.
The TOP Film Village project is set to redefine how film and creative industries contribute to national development, offering a blueprint for how culture and commerce can thrive together.
