The Lagos government has approved a special fund for filmmakers in the state that would see individuals accessing up to N40 million for movie production.

The Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, disclosed this on Monday at an event to mark the 2021 World Tourism Day in the state.

She said the approval of the special funds was done with the inauguration of a committee to oversee the funds disbursement to qualified individuals.

“I will not forget to remind this gathering that the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in demonstration of his love for the film industry, has approved a special fund for filmmakers.

“This was with the inauguration of a committee to oversee the disbursement of this fund to qualified individuals who can access up to N40 million from the fund as a loan for the purpose of film production,” Mrs Akinbile-Yusuf said.

The commissioner urged Lagos residents and Nigerians to visit the state’s website, designed to enlighten viewers on the state’s tourism potential.

“The ministry’s website and promotional videos of tourism attractions and tourism potentials in Lagos State are up and running.

“I urge all our stakeholders to get acquainted with our activities, programmes, plans and policies on the website through: lagostourism.lagosstate.gov.ng and also take advantage of our various social media platforms,” she said.

Mrs Akinbile-Yusuf said that the ministry had inaugurated Community-Based Tourism (CBT) initiative, with pilot phases in Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Oshodi-Isolo, Eti-Osa and Surulere.

“The establishment of the Community-Based Tourism Unit in the ministry is in line with the state’s tourism master plan and policy.

“We have made adequate support in terms of the provision of all necessary logistics that would enhance the delivery of these responsibilities by our officials.

“It is our belief that the idea of this CBT, at this period, will enable the ministry to explore, access and develop tourism potential such as unique cultural practices, tradition and heritage within the local community.”

Mrs Akinbile-Yusuf said the initiatives had started changing the narratives in the film industry, adding that Lagos was committed to investing in the industry.