Abia Governor Alex Otti Promises Support for Nollywood, Announces Entertainment City Plan

Abia Governor Alex Otti, a former filmmaker, announced on a weekend in his office that the state will deepen its backing of Nigeria’s creative industry and work toward making Abia a major hub for film production, tourism and cultural promotion.

The statement followed a courtesy visit from a delegation of Nollywood practitioners led by filmmaker Francis Ifeakandu. Otti praised the group’s resilience, creativity and dedication to a film that aims to showcase Abia’s heritage, history and development, especially the city of Aba, known locally as Enyimba City. He said the initiative was timely and aligned with his administration’s vision of attracting investment, boosting tourism and driving economic growth through the creative sector.

While the government will not directly fund private film projects, Otti confirmed it will provide the necessary support and an enabling environment for the entertainment industry. “I am always careful about the promises I make. I assured you of support, and that support remains available,” he told the delegation.

Drawing on his own experience as a movie producer in the 1990s, the governor highlighted how that background gives him a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities within Nollywood. He also outlined plans to establish an entertainment city in Aba, a project that would deliver world‑class infrastructure and facilities for filmmakers, creative professionals and investors.

Ifeakandu explained that his team is working on The Chronicles of Enyimba City, a production that has conducted auditions across all local government areas of Abia State and extended the exercise to neighboring states and cities. Industry consultants have described the project as one of the largest film productions in Africa, intended to tell the story of Abia, promote its culture and project a positive image to a global audience.

Otti reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure initiatives that promote Abia and generate opportunities for its people succeed. “We will work with stakeholders to ensure that initiatives capable of promoting Abia and creating opportunities for our people succeed,” he said.

The announcement comes amid a broader push by Abia’s leadership to restore Aba’s historical status as Nigeria’s “Cradle of Entertainment.” The governor’s plans for an entertainment city are part of a strategy to attract film production, boost tourism and stimulate local economic activity.

As of now, the state has not disclosed specific funding amounts or timelines for the entertainment city project. However, the governor’s statement signals a continued commitment to the creative sector and a willingness to partner with industry actors.

Local media outlets, including Punch and The Sun, reported on the meeting and the governor’s remarks, highlighting the administration’s ongoing support for the creative industry. No further details have been released regarding the scope of government involvement in The Chronicles of Enyimba City.

In summary, Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed Abia State’s support for Nollywood and announced plans for an entertainment city in Aba. The state government will provide an enabling environment for private film projects and will collaborate with stakeholders to promote Abia’s cultural heritage and attract investment in the entertainment sector.