Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has announced a major plan to establish an entertainment village in the State as part of efforts to restore Aba’s long-standing reputation as the cradle of entertainment in Nigeria. The Governor made the announcement on Saturday, November 22nd, at the Aba Town Hall during the official flag-off of the Aba Made Film Project titled The Chronicles of Enyimba City.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti said his administration is set to transform Abia into a strong centre for creative enterprise, entertainment, and modern infrastructure. He also revealed plans for two new five-star hotels, one to be built in Aba and the other in Umuahia, as part of the broader vision to improve hospitality, tourism, and economic activities across the State.
While reminding the audience that he had initially promised to set up an entertainment village as part of his manifesto, the Governor stated that the idea remains active. He explained that the State Government is about to commence the Abia State Stadium Village, which will include a games village and an entertainment village. According to him, the initial plan was for the village to be in Umuahia, but the final location may still be reviewed.
“So, the only issue now is that we are about starting the Abia State Stadium Village. It’s a village in itself. It does have a games village and an entertainment village. It is meant to be in Umuahia, so, we’ll have to discuss whether we want it in Aba. We can detach it from the Stadium City and then bring it to Aba. I want the best for this industry,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor praised the resilience of the entertainment industry and highlighted Aba’s long history as a centre of creativity and commerce for Nollywood. He recalled the early days of the industry when Aba played a key role in film distribution and production. “I want to say that this (Aba) is actually the cradle of entertainment. The Nollywood you hear about today started right here in Aba. If you are old enough, you will remember the days of Pound Road, Upper Iweka, and then Nnamdi Azikiwe,” he stated.
Governor Otti reaffirmed the State Government’s support for the Aba Made Film Project and assured the production team that the administration would stand by them until the project is completed. He also listed key infrastructural and social development projects his government is pursuing, including urban renewal, improved security, free education, better healthcare, and a modern public transport system powered partly by electric vehicles.
He noted that Abia was recently recognised as the State with the most affordable intra-city transport system in Nigeria. “Our government doesn’t share money but will only use the money accruing to the State to work for the people,” he said. He disclosed that before the end of the month, Radisson Blu would begin the reconstruction of Enyimba Hotel into a five-star hotel and international convention centre. He further announced that in early 2026, another five-star hotel project would commence in Umuahia to replace the current Abia Hotel.
In their goodwill messages, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, represented by Mrs Uwaoma Olewengwa; the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa; and the Member representing Isialangwa North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, applauded the producers of the Aba Made Film Project. They said the initiative supports the project-driven administration of Governor Otti and noted that the Governor has positively changed the story of the State through focused development.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuribe, described the film project as a catalyst capable of returning Aba to its former glory. He expressed optimism that the project would showcase the rich cultural and economic heritage of Enyimba City to the world. He also thanked the Governor for his commitment to expanding the creative economy.
Delivering a keynote address titled Elevating Abia’s Image Through Cinematic Excellence, veteran Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu said the Aba Film Project is a cultural, commercial, and creative initiative that goes beyond filmmaking. He stated that the project has the potential to boost Abia’s reputation, attract investments, stimulate growth, and reposition the South-East region. Udokwu commended Governor Otti’s vision and said the combined expertise of the production team would help build a world-class film village that would serve as a lasting cultural and economic asset.
Speaking on behalf of Nollywood artistes, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) praised the Governor’s infrastructure achievements and expressed gratitude for his support for the industry and his dedication to uplifting the State.
The event featured a presentation of the synopsis of The Chronicles of Aba by the Project’s Technical Director, Dr Prospect Nlemchukwu, and was attended by top government officials and renowned Nollywood figures including Nkeiru Sylvanus, Joyce Kalu, Uche Elendu, and others.
