Otti pledges to develop Aba into an entertainment and tourism center

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

UMUAHIA — Abia State Governor Alex Otti announced on Monday that his administration will work to transform Aba into a leading center for film production, entertainment, and tourism as part of a broader strategy to expand the creative economy.

The pledge was made during a visit from a delegation of Nollywood professionals headed by producer Francis Ifeakandu, who is currently developing a new film titled The Chronicles of Enyimba City. The project, which is based in Aba, is in the casting phase.

Otti reiterated the government’s commitment to initiatives that showcase Abia State’s cultural heritage, tourism assets, and economic potential through the creative sector.

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

The governor also revealed plans to create an “Entertainment City” in Aba, aimed at offering world‑class facilities for filmmakers, creative professionals, and investors. He noted that land acquisition and compensation processes have already begun.

Drawing on his own experience in film production during the 1990s, Otti said he understands the challenges and opportunities that exist within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Earlier, Francis Ifeakandu described the film as one of the largest productions in Africa, emphasizing its goal of promoting Abia’s culture, history, and tourism to global audiences.

He reported that auditions were held across all 17 local government areas of the state and in neighboring states, with the production featuring more than 2,000 cast members and structured into six seasons of five episodes each.

Ifeakandu praised the governor for the ongoing infrastructural improvements in Aba, noting that his team was impressed by the visible developments during their visit.

Veteran actor Obi Okoli, a native of Aba, also lauded the city’s transformation, calling the changes remarkable and transformative. Actress Sharon Ifedi expressed surprise at the level of infrastructure development compared to her earlier experiences in the city.

Prof. Uwaoma Uche of Gregory University, Uturu, a member of the production team, described the film as a panoramic storytelling project that explores Aba’s origins and cultural significance, noting the city’s foundational role in the growth of Nollywood.

The delegation expressed optimism that the project would revive Aba’s historical prominence in Nigeria’s film industry while creating jobs and attracting investment to the state.

The post Otti vows to position Aba as entertainment, tourism hub appeared first on Vanguard News.