Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti OFR, has announced plans to create an entertainment village in the state. He wants to restore Aba’s reputation as Nigeria’s “Cradle of Entertainment” because of its rich history in the entertainment industry.
The governor made this announcement on Saturday, November 22nd, during the official launch of the Aba Made Film Project called “The Chronicles of Enyimba City.” He said he is committed to transforming Abia into a center for creative arts and entertainment. Part of this plan includes building two five-star hotels, one in Aba and another in Umuahia.
Governor Otti also promised to create an entertainment village in Abia State, which was part of his campaign promises. He explained that the village will be part of a bigger project called Stadium Village and could be located either in Aba or Umuahia, depending on discussions.
He praised Aba’s resilience and its important role in Nigeria’s entertainment history. Aba is known as the birthplace of Nollywood’s early distribution network, which helped Nigeria’s movie industry grow. Governor Otti assured the film project team that the government will support the project until it is completed.
He highlighted Aba’s past as a hub for entertainment and mentioned popular areas like Pound Road, Upper Iweka, and Nnamdi Azikiwe. The governor also shared some of his government’s major projects, including urban renewal, improved security, free education, better healthcare, and a new public transport system that uses electric vehicles.
He mentioned that Abia was recently rated as having Nigeria’s most affordable intra-city transportation. The governor announced that Radisson Blu will start rebuilding the Enyimba Hotel into a five-star hotel and international conference center before the end of the month. A similar hotel project will also begin in Umuahia early next year to replace the Abia Hotel.
Many notable leaders, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, and Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, praised the Aba Made Film Project and commended Governor Otti for transforming the state.
Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, said the Aba Film Project can restore Aba’s glory and showcase its rich culture and vibrant economy. Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu called the project a strategic move to improve Abia’s image and boost economic growth. He believes the project can build a world-class film village that will be a lasting cultural and economic asset for the state.
Another Nollywood star, Mr. Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), also praised the governor’s efforts to develop infrastructure and take the state to greater heights.
The event featured a presentation about the Aba-Made Film Project, “The Chronicles of Aba,” led by Technical Director Dr. Prospect Nlemchukwu. Many government officials and Nollywood celebrities, including Nkeiru Sylvanus, Joyce Kalu, and Uche Elendu, attended the event.
The statement was signed by Chief Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Abia State, on November 22, 2025.
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