Governor Alex Otti has reiterated 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.

The governor 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 Francis Ifeakandu, producer of The Chronicles of Enyimba City.

Otti commended the filmmakers for undertaking a project aimed at showcasing Abia’s rich cultural heritage, history, and developmental progress. He described the initiative as timely and consistent with his administration’s vision of using the creative sector to drive investment, tourism, and economic growth.

According to the governor, although the state government may not directly finance private film productions, it remains committed to creating an environment that enables the entertainment industry to thrive.

“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,” Otti said.

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

He explained that the government has already begun the necessary groundwork, including land acquisition and compensation processes, to bring the project to fruition.

Earlier, Ifeakandu expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his support of the project and what he described as the administration’s transformational efforts across the state.

He informed the governor that the production team had successfully conducted auditions in all 17 local government areas of Abia State and extended the exercise to neighbouring states and major cities.

According to him, The Chronicles of Enyimba City has been described by industry consultants as one of the largest film productions on the African continent. He said the project is intended to tell the story of Abia, promote its culture, and project a positive image of the state to audiences around the world.

Ifeakandu further revealed that the production features more than 2,000 cast members and is structured into six seasons, each comprising five episodes. The series, he said, explores different aspects of Abia’s history, cultural heritage, tourism assets, and developmental achievements.

He appealed for continued government support to ensure the successful completion of the project, noting that it has the potential to restore Abia’s historic prominence in Nigeria’s film industry, create employment opportunities, and attract investment into the state.