Gov. Alex Otti unveils plans for a world-class entertainment village in Abia, aiming to restore Aba’s legacy and boost the state’s creative and tourism sectors.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has announced an expansive plan to develop a world-class entertainment village aimed at restoring Aba’s legacy as Nigeria’s “Cradle of Entertainment.” The disclosure was made on Saturday, November 22, during the official flag-off of the Aba-Made Film Project titled “The Chronicles of Enyimba City” at the Aba Town Hall.
Governor Otti said the project aligns with his campaign commitment to build an integrated creative and entertainment hub that will position Abia as a leading centre for film, culture, sports, and innovation. He hinted at the possibility of siting the entertainment village in Aba instead of Umuahia, depending on consultations with stakeholders.
“We are about to commence the Abia State Stadium Village, which includes a games village and an entertainment village. It was planned for Umuahia, but we are open to relocating the entertainment section to Aba. I want the very best for this industry,” he stated.
Aba’s Role in Nollywood History
Otti praised Aba’s longstanding creative heritage, recalling the city’s crucial role in the early days of Nollywood distribution. He reaffirmed the state government’s support for The Chronicles of Enyimba City, assuring the production team of full cooperation until the film is completed.
“Aba is the true cradle of entertainment. The Nollywood story that the world celebrates today has its roots right here. Many still remember the era of Pound Road, Upper Iweka and Nnamdi Azikiwe streets,” the Governor added.
Massive Infrastructure Push to Support Creative Growth
Highlighting ongoing reforms, Governor Otti listed key infrastructural, social, and economic investments designed to stimulate growth across the state. These include:
Comprehensive urban renewal
Improved security architecture
Free and quality education
Better healthcare delivery
A modern intra-city transportation system partly powered by electric buses
He noted that Abia was recently rated the state with the most affordable intra-city transport fares in Nigeria.
The Governor also revealed major hospitality projects designed to enhance Abia’s tourism appeal:
Radisson Blu is set to begin reconstruction of the Enyimba Hotel before the end of the month, transforming it into a five-star hotel and international convention centre.
A second five-star hotel will be launched in Umuahia in early 2026, replacing the existing Abia Hotel.
Stakeholders Applaud Governor Otti’s Vision
Several dignitaries, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (represented by Mrs. Uwaoma Olewengwa), Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, and the Chairman of the event, Dr. Chima Anyaso, commended the Governor’s commitment to rebuilding the state through people-centred, project-driven governance.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe, described the Aba-Made Film Project as a catalyst for restoring the city’s global prestige. He said the production would showcase Aba’s rich cultural identity and dynamic entrepreneurial spirit.
Nollywood Commends Abia’s Renewed Creative Drive
Delivering the keynote address titled “Elevating Abia’s Image Through Cinematic Excellence,” veteran Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu praised the project as a strategic initiative capable of boosting the state’s image, strengthening regional commerce, and positioning Abia as a leading creative hub.
He emphasized that the combined expertise of the production team could deliver a world-class film village that would serve as a permanent cultural and economic asset for the state.
Actor Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), speaking on behalf of other Nollywood stars, lauded Governor Otti’s infrastructural strides and thanked him for championing the creative economy.
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The event also featured a synopsis presentation by Project Technical Director, Dr. Prospect Nlemchukwu, and witnessed the presence of top government officials and Nollywood icons such as Nkeiru Sylvanus, Joyce Kalu, and Uche Elendu.
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