Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called on National Assembly to actively support the rehabilitation of key historical and tourist sites in the State by providing adequate funding to restore their lost glory.
Governor Otti made the call on Wednesday, when he received a delegation from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), led by its Director-General, Mr Olugbile Holloway, at the Governor’s Lodge in Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA..
The Governor underscored the importance of securing sufficient resources to revamp heritage sites in the State, such as the National War Museum and the Ojukwu Bunker in Umuahia, the Long Juju of Arochukwu, the Azumini Blue River, and the Umunneochi Cave among others.
Governor Otti also highlighted the importance of proper storytelling in preserving the history of the sites and emphasized that efforts must be made to document and share the rich narratives surrounding them.
He urged the NCMM Director General to champion the advocacy for sufficient funding to restore Abia’s historical and cultural heritage adding that if realized, the rehabilitation of the tourism sites would enhance the State’s economic landscape, attract visitors and contribute to national development.
“It is interesting to be talking about Tourism, the potentials that it holds not just in Abia but in Nigeria. We do know of countries that have little or no resources and their economy is run at the back of tourism.
“The only thing you can do is get the National Assembly to also put their voices to ensuring that we have sufficient funding to rehabilitate the War Museum”, Governor Otti said.
Governor Otti stressed that while his administration remains committed to tourism development, many of the major Tourist sites fall under Federal jurisdiction, which necessitates stronger collaboration between the Federal and State Governments.
“Most of the Tourist sites are in the hands of the Federal Government and there are others that I believe should be in the hands of the State, but suffice it to say that none of them is in such a state that you can market it”, he said.
The Governor who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Abia a prime tourism destination in Nigeria, revealed that his Government had already begun initiatives aimed at strengthening the tourism sector through the provision of infrastructure and security among others.
He disclosed that discussions had advanced with the proposed contractors of Radisson Blu as part of efforts to provide world-class hospitality infrastructure that would support increased tourist inflow.
Governor Otti noted that Abia is focused on harnessing its tourism assets to boost economic growth and expressed optimism that with Federal Government support, the State would transform its historical landmarks into internationally recognized attractions.
“You will find that if we collaborate and work together, Abia will be one of the most visited destinations in Nigeria”, he said.
Also, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe,
noted that while the State is home to several tourist attractions under Federal Government ownership, many of the sites are in poor condition and require urgent attention.
Ekwuribe highlighted the importance of the National War Museum as the only War Museum in West Africa, stressed that revamping the Museum would attract visitors from across the globe, boost tourism and economic development in Abia State.
He commended Governor Otti for his commitment to developing all sectors of the State’s economy, including the tourism industry.
Earlier, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Hon. Olugbile Holloway, explained that the visit was aimed at fostering collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to enhance tourism development in Abia.
He further acknowledged the urgent need for rehabilitation at the National War Museum and other tourist sites describing their current state as dilapidated.
“For us, this meeting is important because it starts to open up conversations about how the Federal and State Governments can actually work together to make these tourists attractions world class.
