NEWS
AMSTEL MALTA PARTNERS ABIA GOVERNMENT TO UNVEIL LEGENDARY CHRISTMAS LIGHT-UP IN ABA
Aba, the commercial heartbeat of Abia State, sparkled into the Christmas season on Thursday as Amstel Malta, in partnership with the Abia State Government, officially launched the Legendary Christmas Light-Up Campaign, a grand festive initiative designed to illuminate key cities across Nigeria. The colourful event, anchored by ace comedian and actor Funnybone, marked the beginning of an exciting yuletide celebration that promises fun, family bonding, and unforgettable memories in the Enyimba City.
The Christmas Light-Up campaign is a national initiative aimed at bringing life, colour and a renewed sense of unity to major cities during the holiday period. Families are expected to gather at designated locations to unwind, take photographs, share laughter, and enjoy the warmth of a well-lit, festive environment.
Representing Governor Alex Chioma Otti, the Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Matthew Ekwuribe, praised Amstel Malta and the Nigerian Breweries Plc (NB Plc) for choosing Aba as a key beneficiary. He revealed that the state government did not hesitate to approve the project because it aligns with its vision of transforming Abia into a vibrant, modern and business-friendly state.
Ekwuribe described the move as a strategic example for other companies to follow, insisting that Amstel Malta and Nigerian Breweries have taken the lead in contributing to the state’s ongoing development. He announced that this initiative demonstrates the reality of a new Abia under Governor Otti, with visible transformation across infrastructure and creative sectors. Highlighting the recently launched Aba Made Film Project, he said the production will retell the historic story of Aba in ways long anticipated by residents and Nigerians in general.
The Commissioner also issued a stern warning to those attempting to vandalize the light-up decorations, noting that arrests have already been made and offenders will be prosecuted. He urged residents, especially Abians abroad, to appreciate the new direction of the state and support its peaceful development.
In her address, the Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs. Sarah Agha, expressed gratitude to Abians for their warm hospitality, even recalling how she learned a local dialect before mounting the stage. She explained that the campaign aligns with the company’s mission to “brew the joy of true togetherness,” especially during Christmas — a season she described as a time of connection, reconciliation, and family unity.
Agha noted that the choice of Aba was not accidental, emphasizing the city’s special place in the history of Nigerian Breweries. She recalled that although the company began operations in Lagos nearly 80 years ago, its second major investment was in Aba — a brewery that remains one of its strongest production hubs, responsible for many of its successful brands. One of those is Amstel Malta, currently the second-largest malt beverage in the country.
Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, commended the company for selecting Aba and called for expansion of the light-up project beyond Brass Junction to the end of Aba-Owerri Road, to give the entire city a truly befitting Christmas ambience. He also challenged other companies operating in Aba to emulate Nigerian Breweries by investing visibly in the city that hosts their businesses.
Dignitaries at the event included members of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chairman of Aba South LGA, Hon. Obialor Denis Anyanwu; Deputy Chairman of Aba North LGA, Hon. Christian Chijioke Ogbuisi; members of the Aba North Legislative Council; political appointees, business leaders, residents and enthusiastic fun lovers who turned out to witness the city’s grand illumination.
With the glow of lights stretching across Aba’s streets and the spirit of celebration already rising, the city now stands as a glittering symbol of festive joy, corporate partnership, and the renewed vision of a modern, vibrant and progressive Abia. Christmas in Aba has truly come alive. 
