Follow Us on Google
From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Nollywood legends from Abia State, including actors, producers, and directors, have lauded Governor Alex Otti for his developmental strides, which they said have created the enabling environment that has projected the state as a focal point for film shooting.
The Nollywood legends made the commendation at the weekend when they stormed Aba for the second edition of the Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF).
One of the Nollywood legends, Ejike Asiegbu, said that ABIFF being hosted in the state was a sign of the purposeful leadership of Governor Otti, whom he said has made Abia a state that everyone is proud of coming to and returning to.
Asiegbu regretted that despite Abia having a great number of filmmakers, the state had not been benefiting from their expertise and experience due to the neglect of the state by past leaders.
“There’s no gainsaying the fact that what has made the majority of us avoid coming home for movie production here is the insecurity we have had in the past years.
“I’m taking it back to the time when successive governments paid lip service to what they ought to do. I’m an Abia son who grew up here in Aba, and I must say that for the past 16 years, Aba was a no-go area.
“Our coming here is a stamp we’ve given to ABIFF, and we’ve already started discussions with our international partners, and I can assure you that next year will certainly be greater than this.
“With the coming of Otti, you can see what he has done in two years by opening this state that has been impoverished for the past 16 years.”
Other News
A veteran actor, Mr Paul Udonsi, said the marketers have done their best in pushing home movies, but he believes that through ABIFF, Abia indigenous filmmakers are going global because there will be a serious improvement.
“I love the attendance here today, and it’s such events that will raise the consciousness of our people in movies. The organisers have done well.”
Uzodimma Okpechi, another veteran filmmaker from Abia, commended the organisers and the government for creating an enabling environment but added that there is always room for improvement.
“Coming home was a nostalgic experience. I haven’t been home in 20 years. Seeing the environment and hearing the testimonies of my colleagues on how this place used to be made it a happy moment for me.”
Other film actors and actresses, including Don Single Ndubuisiaku Samuel, Uche Elendu, Mary Lazarus, Maureen Solomon Okereke and Florence Owanta, all eulogised Otti for his good works and ABIFF for organising the festival.
Dr Alexander Elekwa, President of ABIFF, expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his support for the creative industry and for constantly creating an enabling environment where culture, innovation, and enterprise can thrive.
He said ABIFF was established to provide a platform where authentic African stories meet international standards, where emerging talents are discovered and nurtured, and where film becomes a powerful tool for education, employment, and cultural diplomacy.
“That we are gathered here for a second edition is significant. It affirms that ABIFF is evolving from vision to institution—built on credibility, strengthened by partnerships, and sustained by the belief that our stories matter,” Elekwa said.
