A huge "film city" and visitor attraction project in Nigeria has reached a major milestone, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between marketing and development agency Del York International Group and The Lagos State Government.

The two partners signed what they described as a "monumental agreement to transform the face of the creative industry on the continent of Africa".

The deal will see the state government officially back the plans, which outline the creation of a leading destination for film-making, creativity and storytelling.

In 2021, Del York International appointed US-based experience design and production group, Storyland Studios, to masterplan and design the film city and entertainment industry campus.

The facility is envisioned as a sanctuary of leisure, entertainment, and learning; a place where film and all types of creative industry professionals can live, work, and learn in a serene and conducive environment with best-in-class facilities intermingled with amenities and infrastructure that support a modern sustainable city.

As part of the MoU, the project has been called "Kebulania" – a play on the word Alkebulan, the ancient name for Africa, which translates to 'Mother of Mankind' or 'Garden of Eden'.

Construction is now planned to commence in Q1 2023.

Linus Idahosa, president and founder of Del York International Group, said: "“The industry has long desired a home, that special place on the continent that would galvanise our young people to a new hope while igniting the fire of their creativity.

“The continent’s burgeoning community of creatives have long been inspired through the magic of film and television, spiriting themselves into worlds they never thought possible, but curtailed by their immediate circumstances.