Gov Otti Approves Mini-Hollywood, Entertainment Village as Abia Celebrates Music Legend Bright Chimezie at 65

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has approved the establishment of a Mini-Hollywood and Entertainment Village in Aba, alongside the creation of a State Art and Culture Gallery in Umuahia, in a bold move aimed at repositioning Abia as a creative and cultural hub in Nigeria.

Governor Otti made the announcement on Saturday, December 13, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, during the grand celebration of the 65th birthday of iconic Abia-born musician, Sir Bright Chimezie, fondly known as the Duke of African Music and creator of the legendary Zigima Sound.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otti explained that while Abia may not yet rival global entertainment centres like California, the state is fully committed to building a thriving creative industry within its capacity.

"I had already approved the establishment of an entertainment village in Aba, and that entertainment village will be a Mini-Hollywood,ÔÇØ the Governor disclosed.

"We are not competing with California, but we will do our own at our own level.ÔÇØ

He further revealed that an Art and Culture Gallery would be established in Umuahia, urging creative professionals across the state to engage with the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to contribute ideas and partnerships.

According to Governor Otti, the initiative is part of a deliberate strategy to create jobs, unlock youth potential, promote culture, and grow the state's economy through creativity.

Governor Otti paid glowing tribute to Sir Bright Chimezie, describing him as a cultural icon who used music to preserve the Igbo language, values and identity, while projecting Abia and Igboland to the world.

"We cannot abandon those who laboured hard to build our cultural identity,ÔÇØ Otti declared.

"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.ÔÇØ

He described the celebrant as a man of integrity whose career reflects discipline, originality and cultural pride.

In a moment that drew loud applause, Governor Otti used the occasion to restate his administration's values, stressing that Abia would not celebrate individuals who made wealth through crime, fraud or drug trafficking.

"If you made your money through stealing, drug peddling or 419, I will not celebrate you,ÔÇØ the Governor stated firmly.

"Money is good, but how you made it matters.ÔÇØ

He explained that under his leadership, Abia would intentionally honour people of dignity, integrity and positive impact, using such recognition to inspire younger generations to follow the right path.

Governor Otti also linked cultural revival to education, revealing that the introduction of compulsory education policies in Abia has led to a dramatic surge in school enrolment.

"When we made education compulsory, enrolment doubled within one month and doubled again after three months,ÔÇØ he said.

"Education gives confidence, capacity and the ability to contribute meaningfully anywhere in the world.ÔÇØ

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, described Bright Chimezie as one of Abia's finest cultural exports and praised Governor Otti for consistently celebrating excellence.

Representatives of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) thrilled the audience with musical performances, while goodwill messages poured in from the traditional ruler of Ekeoba community, Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, and the celebrant's elder brother, Chief Benson Irommuo.

They thanked Governor Otti for honouring their son and assured him of continued community support.

Responding, Sir Bright Chimezie expressed deep gratitude to the Governor, describing the recognition as historic and unforgettable.

He assured that the entertainment community would always remember Governor Otti's gesture and prayed for divine guidance and fulfilment of the Governor's vision beyond 2027.

The celebration, which featured the cutting of a birthday cake and cultural performances, attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, artistes, members of PMAN, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), community leaders and well-wishers from within and outside Abia State.

With the approval of the Mini-Hollywood and entertainment village, Abia appears set to turn culture, creativity and talent into a powerful economic engine.