Otti’s Vision for Creative Economy Gains Momentum as Anyaso Leads Launch of Aba-Made Film Project

Otti’s Vision for Creative Economy Gains Momentum as Anyaso Leads Launch of Aba-Made Film Project

The Chairman of CADEES Group, Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso (OFUJI GLOBAL), has hailed the official launch of the Aba Made Film Project – The Chronicles of Enyimba City, describing it as a major step toward preserving Aba’s cultural identity and strengthening its creative economy.

Anyaso, who chaired the ceremony held on Saturday at the Aba Town Hall, said the project celebrates the city’s heritage of resilience, craftsmanship, and innovation. He noted that the initiative would elevate local stories, boost cultural tourism, and empower young people across Abia State.

According to him, the project aligns strongly with Governor Alex Otti’s agenda to harness arts, culture, and tourism as engines of socio-economic growth and job creation. He added that the project would help rekindle the potential of the Nigerian movie industry while restoring Aba’s historic position as a cradle of Nollywood’s early development.

Anyaso expressed deep appreciation to Governor Otti, who serves as Brand Ambassador of the project, and thanked the Abia State Government for its support. He voiced optimism that the project would produce a compelling cinematic narrative that strengthens community pride and advances Abia’s cultural renaissance. He also called on private citizens to partner with government in investing in the state’s growing creative economy.

As guests awaited the Governor’s formal flag-off, Anyaso urged attendees to enjoy the day’s proceedings and acknowledged dignitaries present, including Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe (represented by Mrs. Olewengwa), the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, the Mayor of Aba South LGA, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, and keynote speaker Bob-Manuel Udokwu.

In his remarks, the Governor  Otti unveiled plans to establish an entertainment village aimed at reclaiming Aba’s status as the “Cradle of Entertainment” in Nigeria. He further disclosed ongoing infrastructural projects, including the construction of two five-star hotels in Aba and Umuahia.

Reiterating promises made in his manifesto, the Governor said: “We are about to start the Abia State Stadium Village. It has a games village and an entertainment village. It is meant to be in Umuahia, but we can discuss bringing it to Aba. I want the best for this industry.” He acknowledged the entertainment sector’s resilience and highlighted Aba’s historic role in Nollywood’s early commercial distribution.

In their goodwill messages, Senator Abaribe (represented), Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, and Dr. Anyaso commended the project’s producers and praised Governor Otti’s efforts in reshaping Abia’s cultural landscape.

The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe, described the project as a catalyst for restoring Aba’s former glory. He expressed confidence that the initiative would spotlight the city’s cultural richness and vibrant economy.

In his keynote paper titled “Elevating Abia’s Image Through Cinematic Excellence,” Nollywood icon Bob-Manuel Udokwu said the project represents a strategic cultural and commercial investment capable of improving Abia’s image, stimulating economic growth, and repositioning the South-East. He applauded Governor Otti’s visionary leadership and expressed confidence in the project team to build a world-class film village.

Nollywood star Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) also commended the Otti administration’s infrastructure drive and expressed gratitude for the government’s support of the entertainment industry. He pledged that Nollywood practitioners would continue to represent Abia honourably.

The event featured a brief presentation of The Chronicles of Aba by the project’s Technical Director, Dr. Prospect Nlemchukwu.