In a visionary move to foster youth engagement and cultural development, the Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Sunny Afurobi, hosted a delegation of Umunneochi-based Nollywood stars on January 14, 2025, in a meeting that focused on building a vibrant local film industry and storytelling platform within the LGA.
The delegation, which included prominent Nollywood figures such as AP Valentino (a.k.a. Nwafor Isuochi), Princess Chinaza of IIA, Prince Uchechukwu Okata, Okoroafor Confidence, and Ihegazie I. Ihegazie, discussed plans to establish “Umunneochi Nollywood,” a hub for creative arts and movie production that showcases the rich heritage of Umunneochi.
Mayor Afurobi highlighted the initiative’s dual purpose of promoting youth development and spotlighting Umunneochi’s unique cultural and natural resources. “This is about more than infrastructure. It’s about creating opportunities for our youth to develop skills, tell our stories, and compete on national and international stages,” he stated.
He emphasized that through storytelling, Umunneochi’s untapped tourist attractions—such as Isi Imo in Umuaku, local caves, and waterfalls—can gain global recognition, and expressed his commitment to engaging the youth through arts, inclusive movie production, and skill development.
One of the pivotal outcomes of the meeting was the plan to transform the craft centre in Umunneochi into a dedicated film village. This facility will feature huts and scenic backdrops specifically designed for acting and movie production, providing a professional environment for local filmmakers.
To foster collaboration and innovation, a platform will be established where Nollywood stars from Umunneochi can share ideas and work together to drive progress in the local film industry. This initiative aims to create a vibrant community of creatives who support one another’s growth.
In a significant step toward formalizing the initiative, plans were made to register “Umunneochi Nollywood” with the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). This affiliation will provide credibility and open doors to broader opportunities within the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Youth inclusion was another priority discussed. The leadership emphasized the importance of sharing information, ideas, and opportunities with young people in Umunneochi to encourage their active participation in the burgeoning film sector.
Participants agreed to determine an official name for the new Umunneochi film organization, a move aimed at solidifying its identity and establishing it as a recognized entity in the industry.
The initiative also aims to identify and nurture local talent, including writers, costume designers, videographers, producers, and directors. This focus on skill development is expected to create a pool of professionals capable of competing on national and international stages.
To ensure structure and organization within the community, plans were outlined to introduce membership ID cards for participants. This measure will streamline operations and prevent confusion as the initiative grows.
Participants at the meeting believe these outcomes underscore a commitment to leveraging the arts to empower the youth and promote Umunneochi’s cultural heritage through storytelling and creative enterprise.
The Nollywood delegates expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm, describing the meeting as the first of its kind and a promising synergy between the local government and the creative arts sector. They pledged their full commitment to the initiative.
Chief Afurobi assured the team of his unwavering support, including access to suitable environments for film production and outreach to Nollywood actors for mentorship and guidance, and encouraged immediate action to build the foundation for Umunneochi Nollywood while the initiative unfolds.
Analysts say this development underscores the Mayor’s dedication to uplifting the youth and preserving Umunneochi’s cultural legacy. By merging creativity with opportunity, the initiative positions Umunneochi as a future hub for storytelling and cultural tourism.
