UMUAHIA: The Abia State Government has announced an ambitious plan to establish a world-class Entertainment City in Aba, a move aimed at transforming the state into a major hub for film production, tourism, and creative enterprise in Nigeria.
Governor Alex Otti made the announcement while receiving a delegation of Nollywood professionals led by producer Francis Ifeakandu, who is working on the large-scale film project The Chronicles of Enyimba City.
According to the governor, the project is already in motion, with key steps such as:
- Land acquisition for the Entertainment City
- Compensation for affected property owners
- Planning for film production infrastructure and creative hubs
Otti said the initiative aligns with his administration’s goal of positioning Abia as a leading destination for film production, cultural promotion, and tourism investment.
Governor Otti praised the Nollywood team for spotlighting Aba—popularly known as the Enyimba City—saying the film project reflects the state’s cultural richness and economic potential.
He added that while government will not directly fund private productions, it will provide an enabling environment for creatives and investors to thrive.
The visiting film delegation revealed that The Chronicles of Enyimba City is one of the largest film productions in Africa, featuring:
- Over 2,000 cast members
- Six seasons with multiple episodes
- Auditions conducted across all 17 LGAs in Abia and beyond
Producer Francis Ifeakandu said the project is designed to promote Abia’s culture, history, and development on a global stage while creating jobs and attracting investment.
The proposed Entertainment City is expected to:
- Strengthen Abia’s creative economy
- Attract Nollywood investments
- Create jobs for youths in film and media
- Boost tourism and infrastructure development
Industry observers say the move could reposition Aba as a key creative production center in Nigeria if fully implemented.
