DDM – Veteran Nollywood actors and filmmakers from Abia State have applauded Governor Alex Otti for what they described as a remarkable turnaround that is repositioning the state as a growing hub for film production and creative enterprise.
Their commendations followed their return to Aba for the second edition of the Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF), an event that many participants said felt more like an emotional homecoming than a routine industry gathering.
Several of the veterans recalled years when insecurity, poor infrastructure, and neglect discouraged them from returning to Abia for professional engagements, especially movie production.
One of Nigeria’s respected actors and filmmakers, Ejike Asiegbu, who grew up in Aba, said the city had been largely avoided by filmmakers for more than a decade due to safety concerns and the general state of decay.
Asiegbu explained that the Abia of the past was neither welcoming nor conducive for creative work, forcing many professionals to relocate permanently to other parts of the country.
He noted, however, that the situation has changed significantly under the current administration, citing improved security, visible infrastructural development, and a renewed sense of order across major parts of the state.
Addressing colleagues and younger creatives at the festival, Asiegbu said he now feels confident returning home, describing present-day Abia as a place Nigerians can visit, live, and work in with pride.
He added that the strong presence of Nollywood veterans at the festival reflected renewed trust in the state’s leadership and revealed that discussions were already ongoing to attract international partners for future editions of ABIFF.
Another veteran actor, Paul Udonsi, said platforms like the Abia International Film Festival are critical for encouraging indigenous filmmakers and giving them opportunities beyond local audiences.
Udonsi noted that ABIFF has the potential to push Abia-based talents onto regional and global screens, while also helping to build sustainable careers for young creatives within the state.
Filmmaker Uzodimma Okpechi described his return to Abia after nearly two decades as deeply emotional, saying the physical changes he observed and the shared experiences of colleagues filled him with optimism.
He said the festival helped reaffirm a sense of belonging and possibility, adding that many filmmakers who once felt disconnected from home are now reconsidering Abia as a viable base for creative work.
Other Nollywood figures, including Don Single, Uche Elendu, Mary Lazarus, Maureen Solomon Okereke, and Florence Owanta, echoed similar sentiments during the event.
They collectively praised the Abia State Government for its support of the creative industry and for sustaining a festival that celebrates African storytelling and indigenous talent.
In his remarks, the President of ABIFF, Dr Alexander Elekwa, said the festival was established to amplify African stories, nurture emerging filmmakers, and promote film as a tool for education, job creation, and cultural exchange.
Elekwa thanked the state government for creating an enabling environment where creativity can flourish, stressing that policy stability and security are essential for the growth of the film industry.
For many participants, the success of the second edition of ABIFF was more than a celebration of cinema.
It was seen as clear evidence that Abia State is regaining its appeal, restoring confidence among its sons and daughters, and positioning itself as a serious destination for film production and creative investment in Nigeria.
