UK SECRETARY VISITS THE TEMPLE

James Cleverly, the foreign secretary of the United Kingdom, visited Ogidi Studios in Lagos. Ogidi Studios is a multi-functional creative facility, owned by the 360 talent agency, The Temple Company.

Cleverly was to make a stop in Nigeria to discuss partnerships as a part of his four-day trip to Africa.

Last Monday, Ogidi Studios hosted the UK secretary of state for foreign, commonwealth, and development affairs. Cleverly’s entourage include Richard Montgomery, the UK high commissioner to Nigeria, and Chim Chalemera, the country director for the UK’s Department for Business and Trade.

During his visit, Cleverly emphasised the close relationship between the UK and Nigeria. He experienced the studio where the soundtrack for the film ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ was produced.

“Nigeria’s success is interwoven with the UK’s future success. That is why I am here to build long-term, future-focused, mutually beneficial partnerships,” the foreign secretary said.

His comments, the executives at Ogidi agreed, echo the growing global recognition of Nigerian talents such as Wizkid and Burna Boy, who have sold out venues in the UK and the US respectively.

The executives added that the foreign secretary’s visit elevates the studio’s status as a world-class creative hub.

“Since opening its doors to the public two years ago, Ogidi Studios has dedicated itself to fostering confidence among international players in the Nigerian creative industry,” the executives said.

“With its state-of-the-art facilities spanning two floors, the studio is primed to catalyze the infrastructural revolution the creative sector needs.”

Idris Olorunnimbe, the group CEO of The Temple Company and Ogidi Studios, added that the visit offered a chance to showcase Nigeria’s state-of-the-art infrastructure for creative talents.

“We look forward to a promising future for the Nigerian entertainment industry as we continue to foster our relationship with the UK government,” Idris said.

A discourse session at Ogidi Studios, moderated by the showbiz mogul Obi Asika, witnessed the attendance of many notable personalities from the Nigerian creative industry.