Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has expressed concern over the long-term neglect of Tinapa Film Village in Calabar, calling for urgent action to restore the facility to its former prominence.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Silva described Tinapa as a visionary project intended to serve as a hub for filmmaking, tourism, and entertainment. She noted, however, that the facility now lies largely dormant, with its studios and accommodations underutilized and deteriorating.
“Tinapa was built to be Nigeria’s Hollywood. It had world-class studios, sound stages, and accommodations for filmmakers. But today, it’s a ghost of its promise. It breaks my heart because that place had the potential to transform our film industry and create jobs for thousands of young Nigerians,” Silva said.
Tinapa Film Village, conceived in the early 2000s, was designed to position Cross River State as a creative and economic hub. Despite its initial promise, the site has suffered years of neglect and underfunding.
Silva emphasized that reviving Tinapa requires more than repairs, calling it a symbol of a dream that inspired the creative sector across Nigeria and Africa.
“If we can breathe life into Tinapa again, we can revive the heartbeat of Nollywood in the South-South region. It could attract global investors, filmmakers, and tourists. But it requires vision, political will, and public-private collaboration,” she added.
Her remarks come ahead of the Cross River International Investment Summit, scheduled for November 17–19 in London. The summit, themed “Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Sustainable Growth with the People’s First Agenda”, aims to attract investors, engage the diaspora, and spotlight sectors including tourism, ICT, renewable energy, and creative industries, areas tied to Tinapa’s original vision.
Mr. Ignatius Oli, Chairperson of the Central Planning Committee, said the summit is designed to position Cross River as a leading investment destination in West Africa. “This summit is not just about attracting funds. It’s about building partnerships that align with Governor Otu’s People’s First Agenda and promote sustainable growth,” he said.
Similarly, Otu Okor, Chairman of the Cross River Diaspora Commission, emphasized the role of Nigerians abroad as key partners in the state’s development. “The creative economy, including projects like Tinapa, will be a major discussion point at the summit,” he added.
Femi Oyelade, Creative Director of Say It Loud Africa, suggested that a Public-Private Partnership model could revitalize Tinapa, leveraging both local expertise and foreign investment to transform it into a thriving creative city.
Observers believe Silva’s call aligns with the state’s renewed push to attract investment into its creative and tourism sectors, highlighting Tinapa’s potential to boost economic growth, youth employment, and Nigeria’s position in the global film industry.
About the Author
