GOVERNOR UZODIMMA’S VISIONARY LEADERSHIP: ONUIMO LAWMAKER ESILE’S FILM VILLAGE BILL AWAITS ASCENT
Imo State to Establish First-Ever Film Village in South-East Nigeria
– By Our Reporter
History was made on Thursday, October 9, 2025, as the Imo State House of Assembly passed a landmark bill for the establishment of a state-of-the-art film village at Umucheke Okwe in Onuimo Local Government Area.
This marks the first of its kind in the South-East region of Nigeria.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. Uba James Esile ( Fresh-Air) has received overwhelming support during its third reading and final passage. His fellow Lawmakers lauded the noble initiative as a strategic move to boost Imo’s creative and entertainment sectors.
Once signed into law by His Excellency, Governor Hope Odidika Uzodimma, CON, the bill will officially set the stage for a transformative project poised to redefine the cultural and economic landscape of the state.
Many stakeholders across the creative industry have expressed excitements over the development, citing its vast potentials to drive home job creations and empowerment to stimulate tourism, preserve cultural heritage, and attract local and international film productions. The proposed film village is also expected to enhance the state’s profile as a creative and economic hub in Nigeria.
The initiative aligns with Governor Uzodimma’s broader vision of infrastructural renewal and economic diversification through targeted investment in non-oil sectors. When completed, the Imo Film Village will feature:
A film academy
World-class audio-visual studios
Auditoriums
Outdoor sets including huts, tents, and collapsible walls
Night-shooting facilities with floor lighting
Restaurants and bush bars
Barbershops, spas, and mini-supermarkets
Wine shops and recreational areas
Guesthouses and visitor lodges.
More than just a production site, the village is envisioned as a creative ecosystem for filmmakers, musicians, content creators, and tourists. Nestled near the scenic Imo River between Onuimo and Okigwe LGAs, the location offers natural beauty and logistical advantages, making it ideal for both creativity and commerce.
Imo State has long been recognized as a cradle of talent, having produced notable entertainers such as Okey Bakassi, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Empress Njamah, Brain Jotter, Zack Orji, Genevieve Nnaji, Step-Nora Okere, Osita Iheme, Linus, and Prince Eke.
The state’s musical heritage is equally rich, with legends like the Oriental Brothers, led by the late Sir Warrior, and cultural influencers such as Chief Tony Okoroji and Charly Boy, both former PMAN presidents. Imo is also home to Bongo music and highlife sounds that have shaped Nigeria’s entertainment history.
However, despite this heritage, many industry players have migrated to other regions, particularly Asaba, due to better infrastructure. The establishment of this film village is set to reverse that trend by offering a secure and professionally equipped environment for creative work.
Attract both local and international film productions
Create thousands of jobs across various sectors
Enhance infrastructure within the host community
Promote tourism and cultural preservation
Leverage digital technologies in modern content production and distribution
The project complements Governor Uzodimma’s ongoing urban renewal initiatives, including the reconstruction of internal roads across all LGAs, the Okigwe–Owerri expressway, and the proposed Federal University of Okigwe. These investments will directly support the success and sustainability of the film village.
This bold move further cements Governor Uzodimma’s reputation as the “Vanguard Infrastructure Governor of the Year 2025.” His administration’s strategic focus on the creative economy underscores a progressive vision aligned with global trends in digital entrepreneurship and cultural enterprise.
As Imo State awaits the Governor’s assent to the bill, all eyes are on Umucheke Okwe—poised to become the new creative heartbeat of the South-East.
