The Abia State Government has intensified efforts to secure international recognition for Aba as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
The move is aimed at showcasing the commercial city’s globally acclaimed strengths in fashion, leatherworks and indigenous manufacturing.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu noted that the bid forms part of the Otti led administration’s strategy to showcase Aba as a hub for fashion and craftsmanship as well as promote tourism, culture and the creative economy.
He said the state’s application for Aba’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network under the Design category was making steady progress.
According to him, the initiative is designed to project Aba’s reputation as a centre of innovation and craftsmanship to the global community.
“Let me inform us that the bid for the designation of Aba as a UNESCO Creative City is ongoing with significant progress recorded so far.
“Enlisted under the Design category, Aba is globally recognized for its fashion, leather works and craftsmanship continues to strengthen its case for inclusion in the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
“This is a project that is supposed to or is designed to showcase Aba as a hub for fashion, leather works and craftsmanship”, Prince Kanu said.
The Commissioner disclosed that the state government has initiated major tourism development projects and alsi announced the state government’s approval for the construction of monuments in strategic locations across Aba and Umuahia to preserve the state’s cultural heritage and boost tourism.
He said renovation and retrofitting works had commenced at the Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum, adding that the project would enhance historical education and tourism.
Prince Kanu disclosed that the government, in partnership with the Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Women Affairs, would stage a reenactment of the historic Aba Women Riot to honour the heroines of the movement and celebrate distinguished women across the state.
He further announced the approval of the development of the Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu as a tourism project.
According to him, stakeholder consultations have been concluded successfully with strong community support, while the project is expected to create significant economic and tourism opportunities.
On transportation, Prince Kanu said the recently commissioned Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal and the Abia Green Shuttle electric bus scheme had positioned the state among sub-national governments investing in modern transport infrastructure.
The Commissioner, said the projects were designed to promote safety, efficiency, affordability and sustainable mobility while supporting economic growth.
He further disclosed that the Aba Central Bus Terminal was under construction and would feature 40 bus shelters, charging stations and junction improvement works upon completion.
Prince Kanu said the state’s Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centres in Aba and Umuahia had become fully operational, providing modern vehicle testing services aimed at improving roadworthiness and reducing accidents.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuribe,said the process of securing UNESCO Creative City status for Aba could take between two and three years but remained a worthwhile pursuit because of the city’s established reputation as a hub of innovation, fashion and manufacturing.
Mr Ekwuribe, said the state government had already engaged UNESCO, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to advance the application process.
The Commissioner further said that renovation works were ongoing at the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker in collaboration with the NCMM.
He said the projects, alongside the proposed development of the Ibom Waterfall, were part of efforts to strengthen the state’s tourism ecosystem and increase economic activities.
Speaking on transport operations, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, said the migration of transport operators to the new bus terminal would be implemented in phases.
Ukaegbu said the Abia Green Shuttle buses had already commenced operations from the facility, while other commercial transport operators would relocate there gradually.
“The terminal was built to accommodate organised transport services, and all operators will eventually move into the facility”, he said.
Responding to concerns over salary arrears owed workers of the Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the affected workers had now been integrated into the state civil service system.
Ekeoma explained that the delay in payment resulted from efforts to properly capture all staff members and regularise their employment status.
He assured that the process had been completed and that payment of the outstanding salaries would commence soon.
