The Abia State Government is stepping up efforts to transform the state’s historical, cultural and natural attractions into major tourism and economic assets, with the elevation of key sites to state heritage and monuments.
The move is part of the Otti led amortisation’s strategy to preserve Abia’s heritage and develop its tourism and creative economy.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed at Government House Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the governor.
Prince Kanu said the Exco approved the designation of the National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker and Government College, all in Umuahia, as state monuments.
It also approved Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu and the Ulochukwu Caves at Alayi, Bende, as state natural monuments.
According to the commissioner, the new status would strengthen the preservation and promotion of the sites, enhance their tourism potential and position them for possible recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Prince Kanu also disclosed that the state government has designated Aba as a Creative and Innovative City, noting that the move is aimed at promoting the city’s cultural and creative potential as well as expand opportunities within the sector.
The commissioner disclosed that retrofitting works at the Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum has reached about 80 per cent and is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.
He said the projects would improve the preservation and historical value of the sites, enhance visitors’ experience and increase their capacity to attract tourists.
Prince Kanu said that the state is also developing the Ibom Waterfall Tourism Corridor in Arochukwu, with the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy already commencing initial works, including the grading of access roads.
The Commissioner said the project is expected to be completed before the end of 2026 and would open up additional tourism and economic opportunities for the state.
He added that the ministry has commenced the erection of monuments at strategic locations across Abia as part of efforts to preserve the state’s history and honour its heroes and heroines.
One of the monuments, he said, would commemorate the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women’s Uprising and celebrate their courage, resilience, resistance and leadership.
On the payment of outstanding gratuities to retired workers, Prince Kanu said the state government had completed payment for the 2001 to 2010 batch, while preparations were underway for the 2011 to 2025 batch.
He rejected claims that the government was compelled by the opposition to commence the payments, describing the narrative as misleading.
The commissioner said the government had also incorporated gratuity provisions into its 2026–2030 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework to prevent the accumulation of fresh arrears.
“This does not translate to the payments being terminated in 2031. So, as the internal processes are done with, these payments will continue at pace and in batches”, Prince Kanu said.
