Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has vowed to transform the State into a thriving hub for creative enterprise and entertainment.
Governor Otti, made the promise at the weekend during the flag off of the Aba Made Film Project, entitled “The Chronicles of Enyimba City”, held at the popular Aba Town Hall, in Aba South Local Government Area of the State.
He reaffirmed plans by his Administration to establish an entertainment village in the State.
The governor disclosed that although several potential sites had been identified for the proposed entertainment village, only the best location would be chosen to ensure maximum impact.
He explained that the proposed “Abia State Stadium Village project”, in Umuahia includes an entertainment component adding that discussions are open on whether to situate a separate entertainment village in Aba.
“I will refer you to my manifesto, the 2023 manifesto. I indicated that one of the things I wanted to do was to set up an entertainment village in Abia state and that dream is still on.
“So the only issue now is that we are about starting the Abia State Stadium Village. It’s a village in itself. It also have a games village and an entertainment village”, he said.
The Abia state governor lauded the resilience of the entertainment sector, especially its contribution to the long history of creativity associated with Aba.
He noted that Aba remains the birthplace of Nollywood’s early commercial distribution network adding that “the Nollywood you hear about today started in Aba.
He reassured the film project team of his Administration’s full backing, assuring that the state government, would support the project to the end.
Governor Otti used the occasion to outline major infrastructural and social investment projects of his administration, which includes, urban renewal, enhanced security, free education, improved healthcare, and a modern public transport system, powered partly by electric vehicles.
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The governor noted that Abia was recently rated as the most affordable intra-city transportation in Nigeria, pointing out that his Government doesn’t share money, but will only use the money accruing to the state to work for the people.
Matthew Ekwuribe, the State’s Commissioner for Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, described the Aba Film Project, as a catalyst capable of restoring Aba to its former glory.
He expressed optimism that the project, would spotlight the rich cultural heritage and vibrant economic landscape of the Enyimba City to the world and thanked the Governor for his commitment to advancing the creative economy.
Matilda Anyamele, Special Assistant to Abia State Governor on Art, Culture and Creative Economy, earlier in a welcome address, said that the Aba Made Film Project, is a milestone in the state’s journey to harness its cultural and creative potential.
She explained that Aba, renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, is also rich in tradition and has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s commerce and art.
According to her, “This film project is more than a narrative of our past, it is a celebration of our resilience, innovation and the indomitable Enyimba spirit.
“It seeks to tell the authentic story of Aba, a city of artisans, traders and creators to the world, spotlighting our cultural heritage and economic potentials”.
Bob-Manuel Udokwu, a foremost Nollywood actor, in a keynote address entitled; “Elevating Abia’s Image, through cinematic excellence”, described the Aba Film Project, as a strategic cultural, commercial and creative initiative that goes far beyond filmmaking.
According to him, when executed with the right expertise and world-class production standards, the project has the capacity to boost Abia’s image, stimulate economic growth, and reposition the entire South-East region.
Udokwu, lauded Governor Otti’s visionary leadership and noted that the combined expertise of the team is capable of building a world-class film village in Abia State, which would serve as a permanent cultural and economic asset.
Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as Aki, who spoke on behalf of other Nollywood artists at the event, commended Governor Otti, for the ongoing road infrastructure revolution in the state as well as his love and commitment to take the state to greater heights.
