Abia Governor Otti Announces Mini-Hollywood in Aba, Arts Gallery in Umuahia
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has approved the establishment of an entertainment village in Aba, dubbed a "Mini-Hollywood," and an arts and culture gallery in Umuahia as part of efforts to boost the state's creative economy.
The announcement was made by the governor on Saturday during an event at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia to celebrate the 65th birthday of veteran musician Sir Bright Chimezie, popularly known as Zigima.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku, Otti described the projects as platforms to nurture 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," Otti said. "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."
He encouraged creative professionals in the state to liaise with the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to tap into opportunities from the initiatives.
The governor hailed Chimezie as a cultural icon whose music has promoted Igbo language and heritage, bringing pride to Abia and Igboland.
"We cannot abandon those who laboured hard to build our cultural identity," Otti said. "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."
Reaffirming his administration's focus on creativity, entrepreneurship, and job creation, Otti emphasised support for economically viable initiatives while cautioning against celebrating ill-gotten wealth.
"If you made your money through stealing, drug peddling, or 419, I will not celebrate you," he warned. "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. Money is good, but how you made it matters."
Otti also highlighted progress in education, noting that compulsory basic education has led to a dramatic rise in school enrolment.
"Our people love education. When we made it compulsory, enrolment doubled within one month and doubled again after three months," he said.
Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Matthew Ekwuribe praised Chimezie as one of Abia's finest legends and commended the governor for revitalising the sector.
Goodwill messages came from Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, traditional ruler of Ekeoba community, and Chief Benson Irommuo, the celebrant's elder brother, who expressed gratitude and pledged support for the administration.
In response, Chimezie thanked the governor for the historic honour, assuring that the entertainment community would rally behind his vision beyond 2027.
The event featured performances by members of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, cake cutting, and was attended by senior government officials, traditional rulers, artistes, community leaders, and well-wishers from across and beyond Abia State.
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