Abia Honours A Legend : Governor Otti Celebrates Chief Zebrudaya At 75

Abia State was lit with  celebration as Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, hosted a grand 75th birthday in honour of veteran comedian and cultural icon, Chief Chika Okpala (MFR, MON) , famously known as Chief Zebrudaya Okoro Igwe Nwogbo Alias 4:30.

The lavish ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall of the Abia Government House in Umuahia, came just hours after Governor Otti commissioned 14 road projects across Aba.

The Governor used the moment not only to celebrate the man behind the laughter of generations but also to unveil a bold vision for Abia’s future in entertainment and infrastructure.

“This government celebrates excellence. We celebrate people who have added value to society. It is more rewarding to celebrate people while they are alive,” Governor Otti stated, stirring applause from the audience.

Chief Zebrudaya, a household name from the iconic New Masquerade series that aired through the 1980s and 90s, was praised for his pioneering role in post-war Nigeria. Otti credited him and his team with laying the foundation for what is now Nollywood, noting, “Nollywood started right here in Aba – Pound Road.”

In an emotional moment, the Governor declared Chief Zebrudaya an adopted son of Abia, reaffirming that greatness often begins close to home:

“The New Masquerade started from NTA Channel 6 in Aba and was exported to the world. Great things happened here, and we must restore them.”

Otti announced plans to build an Entertainment Village, a Games Village, a Stadium City, and an Abia Medical Village, adding that construction had already begun on an Abia State Airport, with the runway underway.

“Some say it’s a big dream — but if you don’t dream, you are dead,” he quipped.

The celebration took a heartwarming turn when Otti revealed that a friend and proud Abia son, watching the event online, pledged ₦5 million to Clarius Mgbojikwe (Davies Ofor) and ₦10 million to Chief Zebrudaya in appreciation of their legacy.

Chief Zebrudaya, moved by the recognition, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Otti, noting that he had reached out to all Southeastern governments but only Abia responded.

“If I die today, I am fulfilled. What you have done has given hope to others that they too may one day be celebrated.”

He also announced that proceeds from his birthday would go toward supporting incapacitated veteran artists, in a spirit of giving back to the industry that made him.

The night was rich with goodwill messages, a musical interlude, a book unveiling, and even a live screening of an episode of New Masquerade, all culminating in the cutting of the celebratory cake.

As Abia continues to blaze a trail in governance, infrastructure, and now cultural renaissance, Tuesday’s event served as a reminder that the true measure of leadership is honouring the living legends who shaped our identity.

“The problem of the world is not money, but a lack of ideas,” Governor Otti remarked. “And in Abia, we have both the ideas and the will.”

Indeed, it was more than a birthday — it was a powerful statement of gratitude, vision, and legacy.