Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti, has assured of his administration’s commitment to supporting the creative industry and positioning the state as a major hub for film production, entertainment, tourism, and cultural promotion.

Governor Otti made this known on Saturday 13th June, 2026, in his office while receiving a delegation of Nollywood practitioners led by Mr. Francis Ifeakandu.

Mr. Ifeakandu is currently working on a film – “The Chronicles of Enyimba City,”

The Governor commended the team for their resilience, creativity, and dedication to producing a film project that seeks to showcase the rich cultural heritage, history, and development of Abia State, especially, Aba, the Enyimba city.

Governor Otti described the initiative as timely and one that aligns with his administration’s vision of promoting investment, tourism, and economic growth through the creative sector.

The State Chief Executive noted that while government may not directly sponsor private film projects, his administration remains committed to providing the necessary support and enabling environment required for the growth of the entertainment industry in the State.

“I am always careful about the promises I make. I assured you of support, and that support remains available.

“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,” Gov. 0tti stated.

Drawing from his personal experience in the film industry, the Governor recalled his involvement as a movie producer in the 1990s, emphasising his understanding of the challenges and opportunities within Nollywood.

Governor Otti further disclosed that his administration is actively pursuing plans to establish an Entertainment City in Aba, a project designed to provide world-class infrastructure and facilities for filmmakers, creative professionals, and investors in the entertainment industry.

According to him, government has already commenced necessary processes, including land acquisition and compensation, to bring the project to reality.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and the producer of the upcoming film, The Chronicles of Enyimba City, Mr. Francis Ifeakandu, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for his continued support of the project and his transformative leadership across the state.

He informed the Governor that the production team had successfully conducted auditions across all local government areas of Abia state and extended the exercise to neighbouring states and cities.

He noted that the project, described by industry consultants as one of the largest film productions in Africa, is designed to tell the story of Abia, promote its culture and project its positive image to the global audience.

Mr. Ifeakandu also revealed that the film project features over 2,000 cast and is structured into six seasons with five episodes each, capturing various aspects of the state’s history, culture, tourism potential, and developmental strides.

He commended Governor Otti’s infrastructural achievements, particularly the transformation of key roads and public facilities, noting that members of the visiting Nollywood team who had not visited Abia for a long time were impressed by the remarkable changes they witnessed during their tour of the state.

The producer appealed for continued government support towards the successful completion of the film project, stressing that the film would not only restore Abia’s historical prominence in Nigeria’s movie industry but also generate employment opportunities and attract investments into the state.

The highpoint of the visit was the presentation of gift to the Governor by the leader of the group.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Entertainment, Mr. Justice Martins (J – Martins) and other government officials were present during the visit.

By Editor, Umuahia

Governor Alex Otti has commenced the process for a feasibility study on the proposed Abia State Seaport at Azumini blue river in partnership with a Chinese firm – China Harbour Engineering Company, CHEC.

The Azumini Seaport project will be designed to position Abia as a gateway economy in the South-East, opening direct maritime access for Aba’s industrial cluster and the wider region.

When accomplished, it would cut cargo costs for manufacturers, decongest Lagos ports, and create a new logistics corridor linking Abia to global trade routes through the Imo/Azumini blue river.

According to the statement by the chief press secretary to the governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the feasibility study would cover technical, economic, environmental, and social viability, including dredging requirements, port design, road as well as rail linkages, and private-sector financing models.

The statement reads thus, “For Abia, this is strategic infrastructure: it ties Gov. Otti’s “Rebuild Abia” agenda to job creation, export competitiveness, and long-term revenue. For Nigeria, an Azumini port means a third functional port corridor alongside Onne and Ibom Deep Sea Port.”

The statement concludes by stating that the next steps after the study would determine timelines, investment structure, and federal approvals.

By Editor , Umuahia

An anniversary parade has been held as part of events to mark the grande finale of the activities for the 3rd year in office of governor Alex Otti.

The event which took place at the Umuahia Township Stadium attracted dignitaries of Abia descent, party faithful, Abia born celebrities, civil servants and residents.

Governor Otti while reading his speech, described the occasion as a moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the transformation of the state, noting that democracy had given the people the opportunity to shape their future through good governance.

Governor Otti stated that immediately after assuming office in 2023, his administration commenced decisive actions to restore confidence in governance, beginning with environmental sanitation efforts in Aba.

The Governor noted that the administration had since recorded major achievements across critical sectors, especially in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, power, agriculture, security, and civil service reforms.

Governor Otti affirmed that his government has completed 414 road projects covering over 800 kilometres, while an additional 82 roads spanning more than 200 kilometres are nearing completion across the State.

On healthcare, the Governor disclosed that nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals have been recruited, while over 277 primary healthcare centres have been retrofitted and functionalized under his project Ekwueme Initiative and the WHO impact project, adding that the government has consistently allocated 15 percent of the annual budget to health.

Governor Otti further revealed that 5,394 teachers were recruited last year, while 4,000 teachers are currently being recruited following the sharp increase in school enrollment under the free and compulsory basic education policy.

He disclosed that his government had consistently budgeted not less that 20% to education.

The State Chief Executive also highlighted the administration’s investments in youth empowerment, technology, sports, transportation, and environmental sanitation. He said that thousands of youths have been trained in software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other ICT-related skills through programmes such as TechRise, while over N300 million has been earmarked to support technology-driven enterprises.

Gov. Otti further noted that the declaration of emergency on waste management in 2023 has greatly improved environmental sanitation across the State through the activities of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA.

On transportation and power, Governor Otti said that the newly commissioned Prof. Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal, electric buses, bus shelters, and improved road infrastructure have transformed the transport sector and reduced the burden of commuting on residents.

The Governor added that the ongoing reforms in the energy sector are already attracting private investors and manufacturers into the State, while the digitisation of land administration and implementation of the Certificate of Occupancy in 30 days policy have improved transparency and boosted confidence in the real estate sector.

Governor Otti stated his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, women empowerment, social protection, security, and fiscal discipline.

He said that civil servants and retirees now receive their salaries and pensions promptly, while intervention programmes have continued to support women, vulnerable groups, and persons with disabilities.

Speaking earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole and the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix said that Abia State is witnessing a historic rebirth under the administration of Governor Otti, adding that the people of Abia rejected politics of excuses and chose competence, accountability, and visionary leadership in 2023.

They appreciated the administration’s commitment to gender inclusion, merit-based appointments, and human capital development, saying that the governor has earned himself a second term in office.

In their goodwill messages, member representing Isialangwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe ,Chief Chris Uche (SAN) and Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa commended Governor Otti’s leadership style and developmental strides, and described the administration as visionary and transformational.

The highlight of the grand finale of the third anniversary, was the ceremonial parade and salute for the governor by the Nigerian police force in the state…