…Unveils Plans to Transform Over 55 Heritage Sites
The Abia State Government has disclosed plans to collaborate with the Federal Government to revamp the National War Museum in Umuahia and Ojukwu Bunker into world-class tourist destinations.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu revealed this at Government House Umuahia, while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Exco Meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said that the initiative pioneered by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy “aims to preserve history while attracting tourists to the State”.
He highlighted the present administration’s efforts to identify and develop tourists sites across the State adding that the Ministry recently discovered over 55 unique heritage sites in the State as part of efforts to preserve history and promote tourism.
Prince Kanu listed the notable discoveries to include; the Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Bende Local Government Area; Mazi Okoro Orji’s Compound in Arochukwu; and Ntubugwo Oloko in Ikwuano, where participants of the historic 1929 Aba Women’s Riot were tried.
“These sites in due course would be reactivated and preserved for their historical significance and tourism potentials“, the Commissioner started.
He recalled the ongoing efforts by the State Government to establish a Five-Star Hotel in Umuahia, noting that the move is aimed at enhancing the State’s Hospitality Sector.
“These efforts are geared towards revamping the tourism centers of the State to make it viable and boost the tourism potentials of the State“, the Commissioner added.
Prince Kanu who also provided updates on the State’s infrastructural projects, announced that seven roads under the State’s Direct Labour Project, including Ndoki Road and School Road, would be commissioned soon.
The Commissioner who reiterated the State Government’s commitment to rapid infrastructural development, said contractors are working intensively to complete major road projects before the rainy season sets in.
He added that all contract sites are active as part of Governor Otti’s agenda for economic transformation and urban renewal of the State.
Also, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuribe, said that Abia has numerous historical and natural attractions that, if properly developed, could position the State e as a top tourism destination in Nigeria and beyond.
“Abia State is blessed with waterfalls in at least three local government areas, caves in places like Alayi, Isiukwuato, and Umunneochi, as well as the Azumini Blue River, a unique natural attraction.
“We also have Akwaete Beach, which remains an untapped coastal treasure,” he said.
The Commissioner also highlighted the National War Museum in Umuahia, the only one of its kind in West Africa, and the Ojukwu Bunker, which played a significant role during the Nigerian Civil War.
According to him, these historical sites, if properly rehabilitated, would attract visitors from across the country and beyond.
He reiterated the present 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 added.
