The board, management, executive team, ambassadors, filmmakers, creative partners, and the entire family of the Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF), together with the Abia Film-Makers Association (AFMA) and Abia Nollywood Artists, have congratulated Governor Alex Otti on his third anniversary in office as the governor of Abia State.

In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday in anticipation of the Friday, May 29th, 2026, third anniversary ceremony of Governor Otti, the group said that the journey so far for Otti has become a powerful testimony of purposeful leadership, courage, vision, discipline, and sincere commitment to the rebirth of Abia State.

The group said that for over some decades, Abia State was placed under the dark side of infrastructural development, which made filmmaking and entertainment forgotten businesses in the state, but with the ongoing strides, “the state is ready to return as an entertainment hub of Eastern Nigeria,” they said.

They said that in just three years, Otti has given renewed hope and confidence to Abia people in governance and demonstrated that leadership is not about promises alone but about visible action, accountability, and results.

The statement was signed by Dr Philips Alexander Elekwa, President, Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF); Chief Chinedu Ikedieze, Vice President, Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF); Ejike Asiegbu, Executive Director, Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF); and Don Single Ndubuisi, Festival Director, Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF).

Other signatories to the statement include Wisdom Nwankwo, Director of Training, Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF); Uzodinma Okpechi, President, Abia Film Makers Association (AFMA); and Chief Eugene Orji Ikoro Onkoronkwo, Vice President, Abia Film Makers Association (AFMA) / Director of Finance, ABIFF.

They affirmed that across Abia State, the signs of transformation are becoming clearer, as it is seen from infrastructural renewal to improved governance, as well as the economic repositioning to the growing attention given to arts, culture, tourism, youth development, and the creative economy.

“Your administration has continued to lay a strong foundation for a new Abia where talents can thrive, businesses can grow, and dreams can find expression.

“As a creative institution proudly rooted in Abia State, ABIFF is particularly inspired by your administration’s openness to the creative industry as a tool for youth empowerment, cultural promotion, tourism development, job creation, and international visibility.

“Your leadership has given many young Abians the confidence to believe that Abia can become not only a centre of commerce and enterprise but also a major destination for film, arts, entertainment, innovation, and global cultural exchange.

“As you mark this 3rd anniversary in office, we celebrate not only the milestones already achieved but also the greater future that lies ahead for Abia State under your visionary leadership.

“May God continue to grant Your Excellency wisdom, strength, good health, protection, and greater vision as you continue to lead Abia State into a new era of progress, prosperity, and global recognition,” they said.