Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state into a leading hub for film production, entertainment, and tourism, positioning Abia as a major player in Nigeria’s creative and cultural economy.
The Governor made the declaration while receiving a delegation of Nollywood practitioners led by Mr. Francis Ifeakandu, producer of the ambitious “The Chronicles of Enyimba City” film project, at his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
Governor Otti commended the team behind the project for its vision in showcasing Abia’s rich cultural heritage, history, and ongoing developmental strides. He described the initiative which features over 2,000 cast members across six seasons as timely and fully aligned with the state government’s broader strategy to drive investment, tourism, and economic growth through the creative sector.
“While my government may not directly sponsor private film projects, my administration remains committed to providing the necessary support and enabling environment required for the growth of the entertainment industry in the state,” Governor Otti stated. “Government will continue to provide an enabling environment and work with stakeholders to ensure that initiatives capable of promoting Abia and creating opportunities for our people succeed.”
The Governor disclosed that his administration is actively advancing plans to establish a world-class Entertainment City (also referred to as an Entertainment Village) in Aba. This flagship project will deliver state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities for filmmakers, creative professionals, and investors, helping restore Aba’s historic status as the “Cradle of Entertainment” in Nigeria.
Land acquisition and compensation processes for the project have already commenced. The initiative complements other major infrastructure developments, including the construction of two new five-star hotels one in Aba (redevelopment of Enyimba Hotel by Radisson Blu) and another in Umuahia to boost hospitality and tourism capacity.
Mr. Francis Ifeakandu expressed gratitude for the Governor’s support and highlighted the project’s potential to generate employment, attract investments, and project Abia’s positive image globally. Other stakeholders, including Nollywood veterans like Bob-Manuel Udokwu and Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), praised Governor Otti’s transformative leadership and commitment to the creative economy.
This strategic focus on film, entertainment, and tourism forms part of Governor Otti’s wider economic agenda, which includes urban renewal, improved security, free education, enhanced healthcare, and modern infrastructure aimed at making Abia one of Nigeria’s most attractive investment and visitor destinations.