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.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

The abduction of scores of school children and teachers in a school in Oyo state has continued to elicit reactions from stakeholders across the country.

Well meaning citizens had condemned the kidnap and enjoined authorities to be alive to their duties.

Just recently , the Nigeria union of teachers (NUT) organised a nationwide protest where it demanded for the release of the teachers as well as the learners.

Adding their voices to the outcry over inhuman treatment meted out on minors, men and women forcefully taken from a school in Oyo state, the Nigeria women of journalists in Abia state has condemned in totality the development.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Umuahia, the chairperson, Norah Okafor said “the statement had become necessary given the prolonged ordeal of these children whose only offence was attending school in pursuit of education and a brighter future for themselves and the nation.”

Standing in solidarity with the victims, she has urged all female workers in the banks, schools, media, etc to support the call for the release of the victims while urging all female journalists in the state to put on a touch of red colour daily until the kidnapped are freed and returned safely.

“Until these children regain their freedom, female journalists across Abia State are encouraged to wear a touch of red as a symbol of our collective pain, grief, and solidarity with the victims and their families.Enough is Enough,” it said.

“It is deeply troubling that while many leaders sleep comfortably, with their own children secure at home and abroad, the children of ordinary Nigerians whose parents faithfully pay taxes are left to suffer the consequences of the insecurity that continues to plague our nation,” the statement read.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENAWOJ

Abia Condemns Kidnap and Prolonged Captivity of Schoolchildren in Oyo StateThe Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) strongly condemns the kidnapping and over one-week captivity of schoolchildren in Oyo State.This statement has become necessary in view of the .We therefore call on all female journalists, bankers, professionals, and women from all walks of life to rise in defence of these innocent girls and boys who have been held captive in a forest through no fault of their ownven more disturbing is the reported beheading of a teacher, yet life appears to have continued as though the sanctity of human life no longer matters in our society.We raise our voices in unison to say “No” to this growing menace and call on the government and security agencies to deploy every available resource toward the immediate rescue and release of these children. Particular attention must be given to the welfare and safety of the girls, who may be exposed to unimaginable physical and psychological trauma while in captivity..Ambassador Norah OkaforChairpersonNigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ)Abia State Chapter