The Abia State Executive Council has approved the comprehensive retrofitting and upgrade of the historic Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum in Umuahia, two of Nigeria’s most notable Civil War heritage sites.
The approval follows the successful conclusion of agreements between the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the Abia State Government, through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu announced the decision while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Exco meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said the initiative reflects the present administration’s commitment to preserve the State’s history and unlock its vast tourism potential.
He said; “Council has approved the comprehensive retrofitting of Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum, a major historical monument in the State and Country.
“This follows the finalisation of agreements between the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.
“The renovation and upgrade of the facilities at the centre will modernise both the iconic heritage site, a rich historical experience to the centre, and reposition the bunker as a leading tourist site in the State and Country”.
The Commissioner further noted that the intervention will also create employment and business opportunities for Abians.
“This intervention reinforces the State Government’s unwavering commitment to preserve our history while elevating the State’s tourist potential, which ultimately will further provide employment and business opportunities for Abians.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative, Mr Mattew Ekwuribe while noting that the project aligns with Governor Otti’s campaign promises, explained that the retrofitting of the Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum was delayed because both facilities belong to the Federal Government.
Ekwuribe said the State is working closely with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to finalise the necessary Memorandum of Agreements before the commencement of the project.
He assured that work would begin “in another three weeks or one month”, adding that the State Government has also commenced the refurbishing of monuments in Umuahia and Aba as part of it’s cultural renewal efforts.
