Nollywood, Look Again—Ibadan Is Calling

Ibadan, the brown-roof city. Rich in history, beautiful in landscape, and a proud holder of culture. Ibadan, we greet you.

Nollywood, the giant of African cinema, has spread its wings across Nigeria. From Lagos to Abuja, Abeokuta to Asaba, film crews now roam freely. Nestled just a few hours from Lagos, the de facto headquarters of Nollywood, Ibadan now serves as a growing home for creative production and not without good reason.

A Natural Film Set

It’s not just sentiment. Ibadan offers something real. Many award-winning films like Breath of Life, Adire, A Farmer’s Bride, and Green Fever have used Ibadan’s natural scenery to tell powerful stories. The answer is in the buildings, hills, old cathedrals, dams, and of course, the brown roofs. These landscapes transport us to different times without needing expensive film sets.

According to Ibadan-born filmmaker Taiwo Egunjobi, “Ibadan provides a unique tool for filmmakers who want to tell stories around these worlds… It sits in that sweet spot where filmmakers who want to retain the best of both worlds can easily come and do it.” (In Nollywood Interview)

A City That Makes Filming Easier

Films like A Herbert Macaulay Affair, shot partly at Mapo Hall, prove Ibadan is more than just a beautiful city. Mapo Hall — grand and colonial — became the perfect setting for reflecting Herbert Macaulay’s resistance against British colonialism. Director Imoh Umoren didn’t need to build a set, Ibadan already had the stage set for him.

Same for Breath of Life, which won the 2024 AMVCA for Best Movie. Director BB Sasore explained: “Most buildings in Ibadan look like the ’70s. Remove the gadgets, and it’s like a time machine.”That’s no small compliment.

Affordable, Peaceful, and Production-Friendly

One of Ibadan’s biggest selling points is affordability. According to Adire producer Babara Babarinsa, in an interview with In Nollywood “The filming process is generally hassle-free. The community is helpful… they even volunteer to cook and feature as extras.” This is gold for filmmakers, no touts, no overbearing costs, no constant noise pollution. A peaceful, budget-friendly location with an understanding community.

Still, after wrapping up, producers leave the city behind—until the next shoot. Why are there no major film production houses here? Why do trained creatives always have to flee to Lagos to “make it”? You hear it all the time—“Ibadan is too local.”

But history tells us cities thrive when bold ideas are executed, not when talent is exported.

A City Used But Not Developed

Ibadan is constantly used as a backdrop, but nothing is left behind. The creatives groomed here migrate to Lagos because there’s no structure, opportunity, or platform that helps them grow in their own land. There are no notable film production houses here with industry presence, unlike Lagos and Abuja.If we keep treating Ibadan as “just a location” instead of a creative hub, then that’s all it will ever be.

If We Build a Production House in Ibadan… Will It Survive?

Let’s ask the hard question: if a Lagos-standard production house is built in Ibadan, how will it survive in a city some still call “local”? Simple—by working smart:

1. Highlight Unique Locations: Ibadan’s historic architecture, hills, and markets are a filmmaker’s dream.
2. Create a Film-Friendly Network: Partner with local hotels, transporters, caterers, and security. When a city is easy to shoot in, word spreads.
3. Offer Production Services: From location scouting to hiring crew, Ibadan can be a service hub.
4. Studio Rentals & Post-Production: Indoor studio spaces and editing suites are gold.
5. Create Original Content: Short films, web series, and documentaries distributed online can tell Ibadan’s stories.
6. Film Education: Training programs to grow local talent and keep creativity alive.
7. Industry Collaboration: Attend festivals like AFRIFF and AMAA. Show Lagos filmmakers that Ibadan is open.
8. Social Media: Behind-the-scenes content can turn Ibadan into a trend.

Government, Do More

Credit to Governor Seyi Makinde—his government hosted a tourism conference with Kunle Afolayan and other filmmakers. Political analyst Ayobami Agboola (Dondekojo) confirms the state is drafting policies to support creatives.

But let’s be honest, the government has not done enough.

Yes, we’ve heard about the Ibadan and Africhatta Film Villages Don’t forget Kunle Afolayan’s massive film  village in Igbojaye.. If Oyo truly wants to position Ibadan as a film capital, it must do more than clap when stars visit, it must build the stage they perform on. Ibadan needs studios, grants, policies that protect local filmmakers, and incentives to ease production stress.

What has Lagos done right? It built partnerships. Encouraged private investors. Created a working relationship between creatives and government. Oyo must follow that template.

Support shouldn’t come only with a red carpet. Ibadan-based creatives need training, film festivals, sound-proof studios, tax breaks, and affordable access to public spaces for shoots.

The Airport Upgrade

The Ibadan domestic airport in Alakia is being upgraded to an international airport. By 2026, it’s expected to handle over 1 million passengers annually. With better accessibility comes more filming, tourism, and opportunity.

Stop Waiting for Lagos to Approve Ibadan

Ibadan is not Lagos. It can’t be and it doesn’t have to be. Lagos is the headquarters of Nigerian entertainment. But even Lagos, with all its buzz and billions, still needs support. It needs breathing room. It needs allies. It needs interstate collaboration.

And So, Ibadan… We Greet You Again

You’ve stood the test of time, through colonial footprints, through the rise of Nigerian cinema, through the silence. Now it’s time to rise and speak louder. May the future of Nollywood hear your voice and recognize your worth.