A mini Hollywood as well as entertainment village will be established in Aba, Abia State by the state government.

Also to be set up by the government is an arts and culture gallery in Umuahia as the government declared that their establishment will promote and support creativity, entrepreneurship and job creation in the state.

Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who announced this 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, contended that though Abia may not be as globally renowned as California, the state is determined to develop its creative industry within its capacity.

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

His word, “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 Abia governor praised Sir Bright Chimezie for his immense contributions 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,” he declared.

He described Bright Chimezie as an icon in the music industry and one who has made a good name for himself, assuring that his administration will always be committed to supporting creativity, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

Otti at the event stressed that the state government’s support would be channelled towards initiatives that grow the economy rather than personal enrichment.

According to him, Abia under his watch 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”, he warned.

The governor emphasised the values of dignity, integrity, and hard work, pointing out that these principles guide his administration’s heavy investment in education and 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”, he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe had described Bright Chimezie as one of Abia’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.

In their goodwill messages, the traditional ruler of Ekeoba community, HRH Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, and the elder brother of Bright Chimezie, Chief Benson Irommuo, while thanking Otti for the recognition accorded to their brother.

They expressed pride in the achievements of Sir Bright Chimezie even as they assured the governor of their total support for his re-election in 2027 “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 accorded him, 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 Otti’s vision beyond 2027.

Sir Bright Chimezie clocked 65 years on October 1, 2025.

At event were the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, who proposed the birthday toast as well as other top government officials as the celebrants thrilled the invitees with songs of his music.

Also present were traditional rulers across Umuahia North LGA, 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.

The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria represented by Ejeh Williams entertained the audience with musical performances. (Daily Independent)

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