Lagos, academy graduate fresh set of 128 young filmmakers

•State govt floats interest-free loan for industry players
Lagos State government, in partnership with EbonyLifeCreative Academy (ELCA), sat the weekend, produced another set of 128 young filmmakers to fill the skill gap in the industry.

Executive Secretary of Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB), Mrs. Bukola Agbaminoja, at the quarterly graduation of the fifth batch of trainees in film production, cinematography, directing and acting, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu had approved an endowment fund to support the entertainment industry.

“The interest-free loan is available to all filmmakers resident in Lagos,” she added.

Agbaminoja described the partnership as an act of equipping youths with creative skills in the industry and a means of providing employment to the unemployed.

She clarified that the fund is not a grant but an interest-free loan that must be repaid within two years, the maximum amount being N40 million.

Head of Lagos State Creative Industry, Mrs. Toyin Ogunlana, advised the graduates to optimally make use of their certificates and develop themselves.

Head of School, ELCA, Theart Korsten, commended the state government for its support

“Only Lagos state is making a facility like this available free of charge. Thanks for your ongoing commitment and support to the school,” he said.

Some of the films written, produced and directed by trainees include Canvas, Father forgive me and Halimah, The Funeral.

One of the graduating students, Ademola Ajayi, who won best location sound award for Halimah, expressed lauded the organisers for the training.