Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has approved the establishment of Mini-Hollywood and an entertainment village in Aba, as well as the setting up of an arts and culture gallery in Umuahia.
Governor Otti disclosed this on Saturday, December 13, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, while celebrating the 65th birthday of one of the finest Abia music legends, Sir Bright Chimezie, the Duke of African music, popularly known as Zigima.
He noted that, though Abia may not be as globally renowned as California, the State is determined to develop its creative industry within its capacity and charged Abia citizens, who are creative and knowledgeable in arts and culture, to engage with the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.
“I also remember that I had approved that we set up an entertainment village in Aba. And that entertainment village would be a Mini-Hollywood. We are not competing with California, but we will do our own at our own level.
“And then, there is also an Art and Culture gallery that is going to be set up in Umuahia,” the Governor stated.
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 made Abia and Igboland proud through his music and cultural innovations.
“We cannot abandon those who laboured hard to build our cultural identity.
“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,” Otti added.
He described Bright Chimezie as an icon in the music industry and one who has made a good name for himself.
He assured that his administration remains committed to supporting creativity, entrepreneurship, and job creation, stressing that government support would be channelled towards initiatives that grow the economy rather than personal enrichment.
Governor Otti stressed that his administration would 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, I will not celebrate you. That is not what we are known for.
“If in the past, we were not celebrating our heroes and our icons, under my watch, we will be celebrating them.
“And it’s a challenge, so that you know that when you do it right, somebody will celebrate you.
“But, you also have to be careful how you deal with money. If you went and stole, I would not celebrate you. Money is good, but how you made it matters”, Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor emphasised the values of dignity, integrity, and hard work, noting that these principles guide his administration’s heavy investment in education.
The Governor reiterated that the introduction of compulsory education policies has led to a significant rise in school enrolment across the State.
“Our people love education. When we made it compulsory, enrolment doubled within one month and doubled again after three months.
“Education gives confidence, capacity, and the ability to contribute meaningfully anywhere in the world,” Gov. 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 that remarkable progress has been recorded in the arts sector under the present administration.
Bright Chimezie @ 65
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, while thanking Governor Otti for the recognition accorded to their brother, expressed pride in the achievements of Sir Bright Chimezie. They assured the Governor of their total support to his second term re-election to continue the good works he is doing 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 fulfillment of Governor Otti’s vision beyond 2027.
Sir Bright Chimezie, who clocked 65 years on October 1st, 2025, was celebrated by the Abia State Governor, with the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, proposing the birthday toast, while the event featured cutting of the birthday cake, and the people were thrilled with music.
The event attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, members of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), artistes, friends, and well-wishers, including people from Ekeoba Ohuhu, the celebrant’s hometown.
