ABIA – The Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has formally flagged-off the First Ever Aba Made Film Project, tagged; “The Chronicles of Enyimba City” which seeks to tell the story of Aba to the larger world through prominent Aba- born and raised Nollywood Artists.
Speaking while flagging-off the project at Aba Town Hall in Aba South Local Government Area, Governor Otti promised to transform the State into a hub for creative enterprise and entertainment.
The Governor announced plans by his administration to establish an Entertainment Village in the State, pointing out that although, several potential sites had been identified for the proposed Entertainment Village, only the best location would be considered for maximum impact.
The State Chief Executive noted that the proposed “Abia State Stadium Village Project”, in Umuahia has provision for an entertainment component, stressing that discussions are on whether to situate a separate Entertainment Village in Aba.
He used the forum to applaud the resilience of the entertainment sector for their contribution to the long history of creativity associated with Aba, noting that Aba remains the birthplace of Nollywood’s early commercial distribution network.
Governor Otti reassured the Film Project Team of his administration’s full support and listed the major infrastructural and social investment projects of his administration to include urban renewal, enhanced security, free education, improved healthcare, and a modern public transport system.
In their goodwill messages, the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe represented by Mrs. Uwaoma Olewengwa, the Speaker Abia House of Assembly, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa and the Member representing Isialangwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, appreciated the producers of the Aba Made Film Project for coming up with the project in support of the project -driven administration of Governor Otti and noted that the Governor has rewritten the story of the State for the better.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe, described the Aba Film Project as a catalyst capable of restoring Aba to its former glory, expressing optimism that the project would lighten the rich cultural heritage and vibrant economic landscape of the Enyimba City and thanked the Governor for his commitment to advancing the Creative Economy.
In a Keynote address titled; “Elevating Abia’s Image Through Cinematic Excellence”, foremost Nollywood actor, Chief Bob-Manuel Udokwu, described the Abia Film Project as a strategic cultural, commercial and creative initiative that goes far beyond filmmaking, noting that the project has the capacity to boost Abia’s image, stimulate economic growth, and reposition the entire South-East region.
Speaking on behalf of other Nollywood Artistes, Mr. Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) commended the infrastructure revolution of Governor Alex Otti-led administration and thanked him for his love and commitment in taking the State to greater heights.
The event, chaired by Dr. Chima Anyaso was attended by prominent Nollywood Artists including, Joyce Kalu, Uche Elendu, Nkeiru Slyvanus, and host of others and featured a synopsis of the Aba-Made Film Project, The Chronicles of Aba, presented by the Project’s Technical Director, Dr .Prospect Nlemchukwu.
