Stephanie Clem’s, Umuahia

Leaders of a non-political, and nonpartisan group, Alliance for Good Governance in Abia state and stakeholders, prime movers, captains of industry and accomplished Professionals from Abia North senatorial zone have unanimously endorsed Governor Alex Otti, OFR, for a second term, citing “exceptional and visible performance” across all sectors.

The group, predominantly made up of professionals, captains of industry, and opinion moulders with no personal political ambition, made the declaration at the end of its inaugural meeting on Saturday, June 27, at the residence of Chief Ebueme Ezikpe in Abiriba, Ohafia LGA.

Addressing journalists, the group’s spokesman and former Secretary to the Abia State government Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, said the meeting was convened to strategize on sustaining the template for good governance established and exemplified by Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

“The purpose was simple: to ensure that good governance in Abia is perpetrated and perpetuated,” Prof. Mkpa said.

He noted that attendees came from all five LGAs in Abia North – Bende, Ohafia, Arochukwu, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi.

“The stakeholders, opinion moulders, captains of industry, accomplished professionals and prime movers present are not seeking patronage. They are self-made Abians who, by God’s grace, need nothing from government except to see good governance sustained,” he said.

Prof. Mkpa said all speakers at the meeting extolled Governor Otti’s “unquestionable transformative work” in education, infrastructure, health, agriculture, security, transport, and public service.

“It was unanimous, Abia has never had it so good. The Governor does not need more campaigns because his works are speaking for him,” he said.

The group also resolved to mobilize citizens to obtain their permanent voter cards ahead of 2027, work to return members of the Governor’s party to state and national assembly seats, noting “he cannot do it alone.”

He said they are also to protect the governance template of Governor Otti beyond 2031 so that future administrations remain bound by it.

A stakeholder, business mogul and proprietor of Ahudiyannem Queens & Football Club, Dr. Robert Onyeani also said the road network in Abia North has directly enabled private investment and businesses to thrive.

He said that the entire stakeholders especially from the Abia North Zone have agreed to do everything possible to ensure Governor Otti is reelected in 2027.

“He has done the road from Umuahia to Arochukwu. I moved my two teams and my hotel to Abiriba because of the good roads. For me to come out like this means we are giving him massive support to return in 2027 and to bring in credible successor that will sustain what he has started,” Dr. Onyeani said.

Contributing, the host of the meeting and a business leader, Chief Ebueme Ezikpe, stressed that the group deliberately excluded career politicians. “Nobody here is seeking political office or anything from the Governor. We are Abians who have seen a different government. For over 25 years, Abia was in a mess. As a businessman in Aba then, many of us ran away for our lives, that has changed,” Chief Ezikpe said.

He said that they did not admit core politicians and those seeking political offices or patronage in the group but have pitched tent with Governor Alex Otti because of his achievements which are unparalleled and maintained that they are not only rallying round for the reelection of the Governor but also for the reelection and election of those that would work with him at the State and Federal Legislative Houses.

There were many accomplished sons of Abia who aligned with the group and it’s agenda.

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.