GOVERNOR OTTI REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO GROWTH OF ENTERTAINMENT AND CREATIVE INDUSTRY IN ABIA
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the entertainment and creative industry as part of broader efforts to position the state as a leading destination for film production, tourism, culture, and investment.
Governor Otti made the assurance on Saturday during a courtesy visit by a delegation of Nollywood practitioners led by filmmaker Francis Ifeakandu, producer of the upcoming movie project, “The Chronicles of Enyimba City.”
Speaking during the meeting at the Government House, Umuahia, the Governor commended the film production team for their dedication and vision in creating a project aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage, history, and developmental progress of Abia State, particularly Aba, popularly known as the Enyimba City.
According to Governor Otti, the initiative aligns with his administration’s agenda of promoting economic development through the creative economy while enhancing the state’s visibility on the global stage.
He emphasized that although government may not directly finance privately-owned film projects, his administration remains committed to providing the enabling environment necessary for the entertainment sector to thrive.
“I am always careful about the promises I make. I assured you of support, and that support remains available. Government will continue to provide an enabling environment and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that initiatives capable of promoting Abia and creating opportunities for our people succeed,” the Governor stated.
Drawing from his personal experience as a movie producer in the 1990s, Governor Otti noted that he understands the challenges facing Nollywood and appreciates the immense opportunities available within the industry.
The Governor further revealed ongoing plans by his administration to establish an Entertainment City in Aba. The project is expected to provide world-class infrastructure and facilities for filmmakers, content creators, investors, and other stakeholders within the creative ecosystem.
He disclosed that preliminary processes, including land acquisition and compensation arrangements, have already commenced to facilitate the development of the proposed entertainment hub.
Earlier in his remarks, Francis Ifeakandu expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his support and leadership, describing his administration’s developmental achievements as transformational.
The producer disclosed that auditions for “The Chronicles of Enyimba City” were conducted across all 17 local government areas of Abia State and extended to neighboring states and major cities to attract diverse talents.
He explained that the production, regarded by industry consultants as one of the largest film projects on the African continent, is designed to tell the story of Abia State, promote its cultural identity, and project a positive image of the state to international audiences.
According to Ifeakandu, the movie features more than 2,000 cast members and will be produced in six seasons, with each season consisting of five episodes highlighting the state’s history, culture, tourism potential, and developmental achievements.
He also praised Governor Otti’s infrastructural transformation across the state, noting that many members of the Nollywood team who had not visited Abia in years were impressed by the significant improvements in roads and public infrastructure.
The filmmaker appealed for continued government support to ensure the successful completion of the project, stressing that it has the potential to create jobs, attract investment, and restore Abia’s status as a major player in Nigeria’s film industry.
The visit featured the presentation of a special gift to Governor Otti by the Nollywood delegation.
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Among those present during the visit were the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Senior Assistant to the Governor on Culture, Arts and Creative Economy, Mrs. Matilda Anyamele; Chairman and Director-General of GADA, Ide John Udeagbala; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment, Justice Martins (J-Martins); and other top government officials.
