The Abia Government says it will collaborate with the Federal Government to upgrade the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker, both in Umuahia, into world-class tourism destinations.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu, disclosed this at the Government House, Umuahi, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of Monday’s State Executive Council meeting.
Kanu said that the initiative, spearheaded by the State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, aims to preserve the state’s rich historical heritage, while boosting tourism.
He expressed the State Government’s commitment to making Abia a key destination for historical and cultural tourism.
“By revamping these sites, we will not only preserve history but also create economic opportunities through tourism,” he said.
According to him, the government has made broader efforts to identify and develop tourism sites across the state.
Kanu also said that recently, the ministry discovered over 55 unique heritage sites across the state.
He listed the sites to include Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi in Bende, the Mazi Okoro Orji’s Compound in Arochukwu, and Ntubugwo Oloko in Ikwuano, where participants in the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929 were tried, among others.
The commissioner also affirmed the government’s commitment to building a five-star hotel in Umuahia to support the growing tourism sector.
“These projects are part of a comprehensive strategy to make Abia a leading tourism hub, attract visitors, and boost the state’s economy,” Kanu said.
Also, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuribe, said that Abia has numerous historical and natural attractions.
“Abia is blessed with waterfalls in at least three LGAs, caves in places like Alayi, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi, as well as the Azumini Blue River, a unique natural attraction.
“We also have Akwaete Beach, which remains an untapped coastal treasure,” Ekwuribe said.
He also said that if the sites got properly developed, they could position the state as a top tourism destination in Nigeria and beyond.
The commissioner also spoke about the uniqueness of the National War Museum, the only one of its kind in West Africa, and the Ojukwu Bunker, which played a significant role during the Nigerian Civil War.
He said, “These historical sites, if properly rehabilitated, would attract visitors from across the country and beyond.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to prioritising the restoration of the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker, while also gradually retrofitting other cultural and tourism sites across the state.
“It is a gradual process, but we are determined to bring Abia’s tourism sector back to life and with the right investments, policy, and private-sector participation, Abia can become a major tourism hub,” Ekwuribe said.
