Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the creative industry and transforming Abia State into a major centre for film production, entertainment, tourism, and cultural development.

Otti made the pledge on Saturday at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, while hosting a delegation of Nollywood practitioners led by Mr. Francis Ifeakandu, producer of The Chronicles of Enyimba City.

The governor commended the filmmakers for undertaking a project aimed at showcasing Abia’s rich cultural heritage, history, and developmental progress. He described the initiative as a timely one that aligns with his administration’s vision of promoting investment, tourism, and economic growth through the creative sector.

While noting that the government may not directly fund private film productions, Otti assured the delegation of continued support through policies and initiatives that encourage the growth of the entertainment industry.

“While my government may not directly sponsor private film projects, my administration remains committed to providing the necessary support and enabling environment required for the growth of the entertainment industry in the state,” he said.

“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.”

The governor also disclosed that his administration is pursuing plans to establish an Entertainment City in Aba. According to him, the project is intended to provide world-class facilities and infrastructure for filmmakers, creative professionals, and investors in the entertainment sector.

He revealed that preliminary steps, including land acquisition and compensation processes, are already underway to bring the project to fruition.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and producer of The Chronicles of Enyimba City, Mr. Francis Ifeakandu, thanked Governor Otti for his support and praised his administration’s developmental efforts across the state.

He informed the governor that auditions for the project had been conducted across all local government areas of Abia State, as well as in neighbouring states and major cities.

According to Ifeakandu, the production has been described by industry consultants as one of the largest film projects in Africa and is designed to tell the story of Abia while promoting its culture and projecting a positive image of the state to a global audience.

He further disclosed that the project features more than 2,000 cast members and is structured into six seasons, each comprising five episodes. The series, he said, explores various aspects of Abia’s history, culture, tourism potential, and development journey.

Ifeakandu appealed for sustained government support to ensure the successful completion of the production, stressing that the project would help restore Abia’s prominence in Nigeria’s film industry, create employment opportunities, and attract investment into the state.