The Abia State Government has announced major tourism initiatives in collaboration with the Federal Government to revamp he National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker in Umuahia into world-class tourist sites.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, made this known during a press briefing at the Government House after Monday’s State Executive Council meeting. He said the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy will lead the project.
The National War Museum in Umuahia is arguably the only one of its kind in West Africa. It houses relics of the bitter Nigerian-Biafran war of the late 1960s in which approximately three million died.
The Ojukwu Bunker, a major site from the Nigerian Civil War, also holds great historical importance. It was the underground location of Biafran war cabinet which until the war ended shielded leaders of the short-lived republic, including then Head of State, Gen. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
New Tourism Projects Across Abia State
According to Kanu, the government recently discovered over 55 historical and cultural sites, including that will be part of the tourist initiative:
- Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Bende
- Mazi Okoro Orji’s Compound in Arochukwu
- Ntubugwo Oloko in Ikwuano, where participants of the 1929 Aba Women’s Riot were tried.
The government is also planning a five-star hotel in Umuahia to support the expected influx of tourists.
“These projects will preserve our history and create economic opportunities through tourism,” Kanu said.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuribe, also shared exciting details about Abia’s natural attractions.
“Abia has waterfalls in at least three LGAs, caves in Alayi, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi, and the Azumini Blue River, a unique natural wonder,” he said.
He added that Akwaete Beach remains an untapped treasure.
“These historical sites, if properly developed, will attract visitors from across Nigeria and beyond,” Ekwuribe said.
With these efforts, Abia aims to become a top destination for historical and cultural tourism in Nigeria.
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