Gov. Otti Approves Establishment Of Mini-Nollywood As He Celebrates Music Legend, Bright Chimezie, At 65

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has approved the establishment of a Mini-Hollywood and an entertainment village in Aba, as well as the setup of an arts and culture gallery in Umuahia.

Governor Otti made this announcement on Saturday, December 13th, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, while celebrating the 65th birthday of one of Abia’s finest music legends, Sir Bright Chimezie, the Duke of African music, popularly known as Zigima.

In a statement released by Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor, Otti acknowledged that while Abia may not be as globally renowned as California, the state is determined to develop its creative industry within its capacity.

He urged Abia citizens who are creative and knowledgeable in arts and culture to engage with the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.

“I also recall that I had approved the establishment of an entertainment village in Aba. This entertainment village will be a mini-Hollywood.

“We are not competing with California, but we will achieve our goals at our own level,” the Governor stated. “Furthermore, an Art and Culture gallery is also going to be established in Umuahia.”

The Governor praised Sir Bright Chimezie for his immense contribution to the promotion of the Igbo language and culture, describing him as an icon who has brought pride to Abia and Igboland through his music and cultural innovations.

“We cannot abandon those who have laboured diligently to build our cultural identity,” Otti added. “Bright Chimezie is a legend who has earned his place.

“As a government, we are open to collaboration and support for individuals whose work aligns with our vision.”

He further described Bright Chimezie as an icon in the music industry who has made a good name for himself.

He assured that his administration remains committed to supporting creativity, entrepreneurship, and job creation, emphasising that government support would be directed towards initiatives that grow the economy rather than personal enrichment.

Governor Otti stressed that his administration will not celebrate individuals with questionable character, particularly those who acquired wealth through drug trafficking, fraud, or other criminal activities.

“If you made your money through stealing, drug peddling, or 419 scams, I will not celebrate you. That is not what we stand for,” he declared.

“If in the past, we failed to celebrate our heroes and icons, under my watch, we will be celebrating them. This serves as a challenge, so that you know that when you do things right, you will be celebrated.

” However, you must also be mindful of how you handle money. If you acquired it through illicit means, I will not celebrate you. Money is good, but how you earn it matters,” Governor Otti stated.

The Governor underscored the values of dignity, integrity, and hard work, noting that these principles guide his administration’s significant investment in education.

Governor Otti reiterated that the introduction of compulsory education policies has resulted in a substantial increase in school enrollment across the state. “Our people value education.

“When we made it compulsory, enrollment doubled within one month and doubled again after three months. Education instills confidence, builds capacity, and enables individuals to contribute meaningfully anywhere in the world,” Governor Otti stated.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, described Bright Chimezie as one of Abia State’s finest music legends.

“He commended Governor Otti for consistently celebrating excellence and noted the remarkable progress recorded in the arts sector under the current administration.

The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, represented by Ejeh Williams, entertained the audience with musical performances.

In their goodwill messages, the traditional ruler of Ekeoba community, Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, and the elder brother of the celebrant, Chief Benson Irommuo, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for the recognition accorded to their brother.

They conveyed their pride in Sir Bright Chimezie’s achievements and assured the Governor of their unwavering support for his second term re-election to continue his commendable work across the state.

In his response, Sir Bright Chimezie expressed deep gratitude to Governor Otti for the honour, describing the recognition as historic and unforgettable.

He assured that the entertainment community would always remember the Governor’s gesture and prayed for God’s guidance and the fulfillment of Governor Otti’s vision beyond 2027.

Sir Bright Chimezie, who turned 65 on October 1st, 2025, was honoured by the Abia State Governor. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, proposed the birthday toast, and the event featured a birthday cake cutting, with attendees enthralled by music.

The event drew top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, members of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), artistes, friends, and well-wishers, including attendees from Ekeoba Ohuhu, the celebrant’s hometown.