Otti approves Abia entertainment village to boost creative industry

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti… Photo Credit: Abia State House

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved the establishment of a Mini-Hollywood, an entertainment village in Aba, alongside the setting up of an arts and culture gallery in Umuahia.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the governor’s chief press secretary, Ukoha Njoku on Sunday.

It was stated that on Saturday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Otti during an event to mark the 65th birthday of veteran musician, Sir Bright Chimezie, popularly known as Zigima, said the projects were part of his administration’s efforts to grow Abia’s creative economy and provide platforms for talents in arts, music and culture.

“I also remember that I had approved that we set up an entertainment village in Aba. And that entertainment village would be a Mini-Hollywood.

“We are not competing with California, but we will do our own at our own level.

“And then, there is also an Art and Culture gallery that is going to be set up in Umuahia,” Otti said.

He urged creative professionals in the state to engage with the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to position themselves for opportunities emerging from the initiatives.

Otti praised Bright Chimezie for his contributions to the promotion of Igbo language and culture, describing him as an icon whose work has brought pride to Abia and Igboland.

“We cannot abandon those who laboured hard to build our cultural identity.

“Bright Chimezie is a legend who has earned his place. As a government, we are open to collaboration and support for people whose work aligns with our vision,” the governor said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting creativity, entrepreneurship and job creation, stressing that government backing would focus on initiatives that grow the economy.

He also cautioned against celebrating individuals who amassed wealth through criminal means.

Otti said,”If you made your money through stealing, drug peddling, or 419, I will not celebrate you. That is not what we are known for.

“If in the past, we were not celebrating our heroes and our icons, under my watch, we will be celebrating them.

“But, you also have to be careful how you deal with money. If you went and stole, I would not celebrate you. Money is good, but how you made it matters.”

Otti further highlighted his administration’s investment in education, noting that the introduction of compulsory basic education had led to a sharp increase in school enrolment.

“Our people love education. When we made it compulsory, enrolment doubled within one month and doubled again after three months.

“Education gives confidence, capacity, and the ability to contribute meaningfully anywhere in the world,” he said.

In his address, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuribe, described Bright Chimezie as one of Abia’s finest music legends and commended the governor for celebrating excellence and revitalising the arts sector.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the traditional ruler of Ekeoba community, Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, and the celebrant’s elder brother, Chief Benson Irommuo, who thanked the governor for the recognition and pledged continued support for his administration.

In his response, Bright Chimezie expressed gratitude to the governor, describing the honour as historic and unforgettable.

He said the entertainment community would always remember the gesture and prayed for the fulfilment of the governor’s vision beyond 2027.

The event featured musical performances by members of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, cutting of the birthday cake and attendance by top government officials, traditional rulers, artistes, community leaders and well-wishers from within and outside Abia State.

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