Nestled in the historic town of Badagry, Lagos, Haus of Dreams Theatre-Cinema is redefining how Nigerians experience storytelling, offering a 100-seat, purpose-built venue capable of hosting both stage productions and film screenings.
Founded by Olajide Williams, this venture is creating a hybrid theatre-cinema that bridges stage and screen, providing local creators with a professional platform to produce, showcase, and monetise their works.
In this edition of Techparley’s DRIVE100, where we spotlight Africa’s most promising and impactful startups, we turn our attention to Haus of Dreams Theatre-Cinema, founded by Olajide Williams, which is redefining storytelling in Nigeria by creating a premium platform for local creators and audiences.
“We solve the lack of quality, localised storytelling infrastructure for faith, stage and film production and provide a platform where local creators and audiences can engage. Many creative works in Nigeria target either stage or cinema, but there is limited infrastructure bridging both,” Olajide Williams told Techparley.
What You Need to Know
Traditionally, Nigerian productions focus on either stage or cinema, often leaving creators to compromise on production quality or audience reach.
By combining both under one roof, Haus of Dreams says it enables filmmakers, faith-based storytellers, and creative entrepreneurs to access high-quality production facilities without travelling to congested city centres.
“Our goal is simple,” Williams says. “We want to give local creators a premium space, audiences a rich storytelling experience, and the community an economic and cultural boost.”
The theatre-cinema blends contemporary design with technical excellence. Its teal green, sunset yellow, white, and beige interior creates a vibrant yet inviting atmosphere for audiences and performers alike.
The venue is complemented by a dedicated production team, offering livestreaming, sound, photography, editing, and technical support.
Ticket pricing is tiered for accessibility. It includes regular seats at ₦7,500 and VIP at ₦8,500, providing premium experiences while ensuring affordability. Hybrid use-cases include faith-based cinematic scripts like the short film The Light in the Grove, stage productions such as I Answered, and theatrical premieres and live events.
Setting Itself Apart
Unlike traditional theatres or standalone cinemas, Haus of Dreams merges both mediums with integrated media production capabilities. While many venues prioritise urban audiences, Haus of Dreams taps into underserved communities, offering faith-friendly and mainstream narratives.
Its visual branding and location provide a unique identity, making it a cultural landmark in West Africa’s creative corridor.
Although the venue is still under construction with an investment of approximately ₦100 million, Haus of Dreams noted that it has achieved key preparatory milestones, including:
- Establishing and branding the company, complete with logo and corporate identity.
- Structuring a management and technical team led by Williams.
- Defining ticketing strategy and operational workflows.
- Developing scripts for upcoming productions, including a 25-minute short film and a stage play.
- Securing the Badagry site at Torikoh and planning commuter access for Lagos audiences.
“These foundational steps mean we’re not starting from scratch,” Williams says. “We’re now focused on visibility, partnerships, and ensuring a smooth operational launch.”
Meet the Team
The team at Haus of Dreams blends expertise in media, operations, and creative management. Key members include:
- Olajide Williams (CEO): Visionary founder driving creative direction and operations.
- Jayen O. Badmus (COO): Ensures efficiency across administrative and technical departments.
- Karl U. Ofoegbu (Operations & HR Manager): Oversees staff and operational logistics.
- Rasheed B. Ali (Marketing Officer): Leads audience engagement and partnerships.
- Gbolahan J. Adebola (Videographer & Graphics Designer): Produces visual content for productions and marketing.
Together, the team forms the backbone of Haus of Dreams, combining operational rigour with creative vision.
Overcoming Challenges and Vision for the Future
Building a modern theatre-cinema in Badagry has not been without obstacles. Haus of Dreams says funding and infrastructure development remain top challenges, compounded by inconsistent power and the need for equipment maintenance.
To tackle these issues, the team has adopted a phased rollout strategy, completed essential structural installations, and integrated energy-efficient solutions. Audience education and awareness are also priorities, addressed through social media campaigns, school partnerships, and community engagement.
In the next 6–12 months, Haus of Dreams plans to launch its cinema operations, hosting regular screenings and special events to cultivate a loyal audience base.
Within 2–3 years, it aims to expand stage productions while maintaining fully operational cinema services. By year five, the hybrid theatre-cinema model will be fully realised, with both stage and screen flourishing.
“We want every aspect of our venture — audience engagement, talent development, and community impact — to scale thoughtfully and meaningfully,” Williams emphasises.
What This Means
Williams believes government support is pivotal for creative sector growth. He advocates for grants, low-interest loans, regional innovation clusters, intellectual property protection, and nationwide skills training. Such measures, he argues, could unlock thousands of jobs and position Nigeria’s creative economy as a global force.
On technology, Williams sees AI as a partner rather than a threat, enhancing production efficiency and storytelling without replacing human creativity. Similarly, venture capitalists, he says, should provide mentorship, networks, and strategic partnerships alongside funding.
According to industry experts, Haus of Dreams Theatre-Cinema is more than a venue, it’s a movement to empower local storytellers, captivate audiences, and elevate Nigeria’s creative landscape. With a commitment to bridging stage and cinema, the theatre-cinema is poised to become a cultural and economic beacon in Badagry and beyond.
Talking Points
Haus of Dreams Theatre-Cinema is impressively addressing a critical gap in Nigeria’s creative landscape by offering a modern, hybrid theatre-cinema in Badagry, Lagos.
This venue alone provides local creators, faith-based storytellers, and regional filmmakers a platform to produce, showcase, and monetise their works in a professional setting, bridging the traditional divide between stage and cinema.
At Techparley, we see how spaces like this can nurture local talent, promote cultural engagement, and create economic opportunities in communities outside congested city centres.
The combination of stage and cinematic capabilities, supported by a dedicated production team, tiered ticketing, and hybrid programming, means audiences enjoy high-quality storytelling, while creators gain access to technical expertise and monetisation opportunities.
With the right support, Haus of Dreams Theatre-Cinema has the potential to become a leading catalyst for Nigeria’s creative economy, demonstrating how hybrid entertainment spaces can thrive beyond major city centres.
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