Governor Alex Otti has announced a major Entertainment Village project in Abia to revive Aba’s creative legacy. See the full plans and reactions—click to read more.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has unveiled a groundbreaking plan to establish an Entertainment Village in the state—an ambitious move aimed at reclaiming Aba’s historic status as Nigeria’s “Cradle of Entertainment.”
Speaking at the Aba Town Hall during the official flag-off of the Aba Made Film Project titled “The Chronicles of Enyimba City,” the Governor declared that the era of neglecting the creative industry in Abia was over. He outlined an agenda that would transform the state into a major hub for film, music, arts, culture, tourism, and large-scale entertainment enterprise.
Governor Otti revealed that the proposed Entertainment Village would form part of a larger Stadium City Project, which also houses a Games Village and multiple commercial centres. Although the original plan situated the facility in Umuahia, the Governor disclosed that a relocation to Aba is under serious consideration due to the city’s deep-rooted entertainment history.
He reminded the audience that Aba remains the birthplace of Nollywood’s earliest commercial distribution network, referencing the legendary days of Pound Road, Upper Iweka, and Nnamdi Azikiwe.
In addition to the Entertainment Village, Governor Otti announced two major hospitality investments:
Radisson Blu will flag off the reconstruction of the Enyimba Hotel before the end of November—an upgrade into a world-class five-star hotel and international convention centre.
A second five-star hotel project will begin in Umuahia in early 2026 at the current Abia Hotel location.
He emphasized that the state’s finances will continue to be used strictly for development:
“Our government doesn’t share money. Every kobo that enters Abia will work for the people,” the Governor said.
Governor Otti listed key ongoing projects including urban renewal, enhanced security, free education, modern healthcare upgrades, and a new transport system partly powered by electric vehicles.
He noted proudly that Abia was recently rated as the most affordable intra-city transportation state in Nigeria.
Top Nollywood figures—including Bob-Manuel Udokwu, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Uche Elendu, Joyce Kalu, and Nkeiru Sylvanus—praised the Governor’s commitment to elevating Abia’s creative economy.
Bob-Manuel Udokwu described the Aba Made Film Project as a strategic cultural and economic turning point capable of repositioning the South-East region.
The Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (represented); Hon. Ginger Onwusibe; and business mogul Dr. Chima Anyaso also applauded the initiative, stating that Governor Otti has “rewritten Abia’s story for the better.”
The event featured a dramatic presentation of The Chronicles of Aba by Technical Director Dr. Prospect Nlemchukwu.
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