Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has voiced concern over the neglect of Tinapa Film Village in Calabar, calling for urgent measures to restore it.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Silva explained that Tinapa was meant to be a center for filmmaking, tourism, and entertainment but now remains dormant, with facilities in disrepair and underused.
“Tinapa was envisioned as Nigeria’s Hollywood, featuring top-tier studios, sound stages, and lodging for filmmakers. Today, it’s a shadow of its former promise.
“It pains me because this place has the potential to transform our film industry and generate jobs for many young Nigerians,” Silva stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinapa Film Village, developed in the early 2000s, was meant to make Cross River a hub for creativity and commerce.
However, years of neglect and insufficient funding have hindered its development.
Silva emphasized that reviving Tinapa requires more than just infrastructure repairs. She pointed out that the facility symbolizes a dream that once motivated Nigeria’s creative industry and beyond.
“If we can rejuvenate Tinapa, we could revive Nollywood’s pulse in the South-South region.
“It could also attract international investors, filmmakers, and tourists. But doing so needs vision, political commitment, and public-private cooperation,” Silva added.
Her comments come before the Cross River International Investment Summit, scheduled for November 17-19 in London.
The summit’s theme is “Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Sustainable Growth with the People’s First Agenda.”
It aims to draw investors, engage the diaspora, and highlight sectors like tourism, ICT, renewable energy, and creative industries, areas aligned with Tinapa’s original vision.
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Mr. Ignatius Oli, Chair of the Central Planning Committee, said the summit aims to position Cross River as a prime investment destination in West Africa.
“This event is not just about funding; it’s about forging partnerships that support Governor Otu’s People’s First Agenda and promote sustainable development,” Oli explained.
Similarly, Mr. Otu Okor, Chairman of the Cross River Diaspora Commission, called the summit a pivotal moment for diaspora-led investment.
“Our diaspora is not just an audience but a vital partner in the state’s transformation.
The creative economy, including projects like Tinapa, will be a key topic at the summit,” he said.
Moreover, Femi Oyelade, Creative Director of Say It Loud Africa, suggested that a Public-Private Partnership could turn Tinapa into a vibrant creative city driven by local talent and foreign investment.
Observers believe Silva’s appeal aligns with the state’s renewed efforts to attract investments into its creative and tourism sectors through the upcoming summit.
They note that reviving Tinapa could restore Cross River’s status as a leading film and tourist destination, fueling economic growth and youth employment.
