Labista Leads AGN Abia to Commissioner, Seeks Partnership to Boost Nollywood in the State | SEE PHOTOS

All Facts Newspaper- March 25, 2025 - In a strategic move to reposition Abia State as a Nollywood hub, the Acting Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Abia State Chapter, Emmanuel Ehumadu, popularly known as "Labista," led members of the guild on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuribe. The visit underscored AGN's commitment to working with the state government to revamp the creative industry.

Ehumadu, speaking on behalf of AGN Abia, expressed gratitude to the commissioner for granting the meeting on short notice. He reiterated the guild's readiness to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state's creative industry under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti.

"We are here to align with your vision and to assure you that AGN Abia State is fully prepared to work under your leadership. We recognize the transformational work being done in Abia State, and as actors, we want to contribute our quota in projecting the state positively through movies and entertainment,ÔÇØ he stated.

Highlighting Abia's rich Nollywood heritage, Ehumadu reminded the commissioner that Aba played a pivotal role in the early days of the Nigerian film industry. He emphasized that many top actors hail from the state, including Mike Ezuruonye, Uche Jombo, Chinedu Ikedieze, Ejike Asiegbu, Emeka Enyiocha, and Joyce Kalu.

"The executive governor has put Abia State on the map of progressives. With the world now paying attention to our state, the Actors Guild of Nigeria will not be left behind. We want to play our part in making Abia a recognized center for entertainment,ÔÇØ Ehumadu affirmed.

In response, Commissioner Ekwuribe unveiled his ministry's ongoing efforts to revitalize Abia's tourism and creative industry. He revealed that the government has identified 55 tourist sites across the state, streamlining them to 16 priority locations with strong potential for development. A special video presentation showcased these sites, emphasizing the state's tourism and cultural assets.

[caption id="attachment_187582" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuribe Speaking[/caption]

"Nollywood started in Abia, and part of my mandate is to ensure that actors, actresses, and producers return to the state to film movies. The government is committed to providing security and an enabling environment to attract filmmakers back home,ÔÇØ the commissioner assured.

He further disclosed that the Otti administration remains steadfast in its plan to establish an entertainment village in Abia State. The commissioner urged actors to "think home" and bring their productions to Abia, assuring them of continuous government support.

As part of government support for the creative industry, Ekwuribe announced an upcoming loan scheme from the Bank of Industry designed to assist individuals in the entertainment sector. He encouraged AGN members to take advantage of the opportunity once the loan application process opens.

Addressing concerns about internal divisions within the AGN in Abia State, the commissioner called for unity among actors, stressing that working in factions would not benefit the guild. He promised to convene a meeting of all AGN members in the state to foster peace and collaboration.

"I want to work with a united AGN. Moving forward, we will ensure that all stakeholders come together for the common goal of uplifting the creative industry in Abia,ÔÇØ he declared.

[caption id="attachment_187575" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Nollywood veteran Emmanuel Ehumadu "Labista" Speaking during the courtesy visit[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_187574" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Nollywood veteran Emmanuel Ehumadu "Labista" Speaking during the courtesy visit[/caption]