UAAP Vote In Favor Of Gov. Alex Otti, Announces Projects, Names New Executives
The United Abia Artistes and Patriots Forum (UAAP) has commended Governor Alex Chioma Otti of Abia State for his accomplishments in less than nine months since taking office.
On February 10, 2024, at their hybrid extraordinary annual general meeting, members of the UAAP passed a vote of confidence in the governor, urging him to keep forward with his efforts to rewrite Abia State’s history.
United Abia Artistes and Patriots Forum (UAAP)
More than fifty Abian diasporans participated in the Zoom-connected gathering, and many more, who were physically present in Umuahia, also participated via Zoom from various states in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustee (BOT), Chief Raymond Nkemdirim, reminded attendees of the goals and objectives of the UAAP while calling the annual general meeting to order. According to him, the organization is a pressure group advocating for improved governance in Abia State rather than a political organization.
He gave the group advice to talk about and give suggestions that will help the current administration advance Abia State.
He said, “UAAP should bring up programs that will support the current government to move the state forward now that we are seeing new things happen in Abia State.”
Convener Amb. Dr. Osita Offor, dubbed “De Ultimate Commander,” began by extending her congratulations to every UAAP member for their backing of Governor Alex Otti in the previous election, their success, and the creation of the NEW ABIA.
In order for members to continue to be relevant in the NEW ABIA project, Osita reminded them that further work is required. He underlined that in order to promote productivity and attention, the organization’s leadership needs to be corrected.
As she addressed the UAAP’s leadership issue, Honorable Chima Onyeagba recommended that leaders be chosen on their qualifications and ability for the position, not because of their location or senatorial district.
Following a series of discussions, Amb. Dr. Osita Offor, Comrade Emenike Jason Iroegbu, and Chief Ralph Nwafor, who is based in the United States, were confirmed as the Secretary General, Assistant Secretary-General, and President, respectively. In later sessions, the other executive positions will be adjusted.
Regarding projects, UAAP was urged by a number of well-known journalists, filmmakers, producers, actors, and actresses, including Matthew Nwankwo, Uchenna Nnanna Maduka, Blessing Asibe, Happiness Kalu, Collins Ejike, and many others, to effectively promote the film industry in Abia State and use it as a means of state marketing.
In his contribution, Dr. Martins Okechukwu Justice, also known as J Martins, Special Advisor to the Governor on Entertainment and Tourism, stated that the state is prepared to receive film producers, directors, and actors/actresses. He clarified that while security is assured, the government is also prepared to support and encourage film initiatives that will boost the state’s economy and establish the region as one of Nigeria’s film hubs.
The CEO and promoter of the Eko International Film Festival, Chief Hope Obioma Okpara, asked the UAAP to look at ways that Abia State may host festival events. According to him, occasions such as these might put Abia State on the global entertainment map in addition to Nigeria.
The organization received advice from the Honorable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Nwaobilor Ananaba, and Chief Nwaka Inem, Special Advisor to the Governor on Trade, Commerce, Industry, and Investment about the importance of continuing to support Governor Alex Otti’s administration and exploring ways that UAAP can draw in business and contribute to the state’s development.
In her speech, Honorable Favour Chiemerie Nzeanochie, a UK-based member of the organization, counseled UAAP members to unite in advancing the organization’s principles and to be prepared to contribute to its projects and programs in order for success to be realized.
During the meeting, UAAP High Chief Chibueze Izugbo Joshua, one of the organization’s well-known members, pledged to host Super Eagles players from Abia State if given the chance.
Numerous additional contributions from Abians in the US, Canada, UK, and many other European nations concluded the annual general meeting. It was ultimately decided that the initiatives that UAAP would work on will be released to the public very soon.
