A story about Abia is preparing to reach screens on a scale rarely seen in African filmmaking.
With more than 2,000 cast members, six seasons and five episodes in each season, The Chronicles of Enyimba City is being positioned by industry consultants as one of the largest film productions on the continent. The idea is to use storytelling to showcase Abia’s culture, history, tourism assets and developmental journey to audiences around the world.
The production team recently brought that vision to Governor Alex Otti during a visit. Led by producer Francis Ifeakandu, the delegation outlined the scale of the project and its potential to elevate Abia’s profile within Nigeria’s creative landscape.
According to Ifeakandu, preparations have already extended across the state. Auditions were conducted in all 17 local government areas of Abia and later expanded to neighbouring states and cities, allowing the production to draw talent from a wider pool.
The filmmaker believes the project could achieve more than cultural visibility. He argued that a successful production would help create jobs, attract investment and revive Abia’s longstanding place in Nigeria’s movie industry. He also appealed for continued government backing as work progresses toward completion.
Those aspirations appear to align closely with the state government’s own plans for the creative economy.
Rather than viewing film solely as entertainment, the Otti administration sees the sector as a platform for tourism promotion, investment attraction and economic growth. The governor commended the producers for developing a project focused on Abia’s identity and described the initiative as consistent with his administration’s efforts to expand opportunities through the creative industry.
Governor Otti reiterated that while his government may not directly finance private film projects, it remains committed to creating the conditions necessary for the industry to thrive.
“I assured you of support, and that support remains available,” the governor said, adding that his administration would continue working with stakeholders to ensure initiatives capable of promoting Abia and creating opportunities for residents succeed.
The governor disclosed that the state is actively pursuing the establishment of an Entertainment City in the commercial hub which is designed to serve filmmakers, investors and other creative professionals. The proposed development is expected to feature world-class infrastructure tailored to the needs of the entertainment industry.
Importantly, Governor Otti noted that the project has moved beyond mere concept as processes required to bring it to life, including land acquisition and compensation, have already commenced.
Taken together, the proposed Entertainment City and the expansive Chronicles of Enyimba City production shows the focus of the state in seeking to convert its cultural assets into economic value, strengthen its tourism appeal and create new pathways for investment.
As global demand for African stories continues to rise, Abia is positioning itself not just as a backdrop for those stories, but as a centre where they are created, produced and shared with the world.
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