By: Imo Thomas -Umuahia.
Abia State Government has identified over 55 viable heritage sites across the state and vowed to reactivate them to boost tourism.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this on Monday evening while briefing the press on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said that the sites were identified by the State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and mentioned certain areas where the sites were found when it engaged in a sort of expository trip around the state.
“In a bid to identify its heritage and memorial sites, the Abia State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy recently embarked on an expository trip around the state during which it discovered over 55 unique and viable heritage sites.
“Notable among the sites are the Ulochukwu cave in Alayi Bende LGA, the Mazi Okorie Orji’s Compound in Arochukwu, Ntugbo, Oloko Ikwuano where participants in the famous Aba Women riots of 1929 were tried.
“These sites, in due course, would be reactivated and preserved for their historical significance and tourism potential,” Prince Kanu stated.
The Commissioner equally disclosed that the state government, in collaboration with the federal government, would revamp the National War Museum Umuahia and Ojukwu Bunker and turn them into world-class tourism destinations. This initiative aims to preserve history while attracting tourists to the state.
“In the same vain, the Abia state government, through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, will, in collaboration with the federal government, revamp the National War Museum Umuahia and Ojukwu Bunker into world-class tourism designations.
“Not long ago, I informed journalists that discussions were on with regard to the establishment of a five-star Hotel in Umuahia. These efforts are geared towards revamping the tourism centers located in the state to make them viable and boost the tourism potential of the state.”
Prince Kanu noted that the Abia electricity bill signed into law by the Governor, Dr Alex Otti, is in fulfillment of his promise to establish a viable and reliable power ecosystem that will enhance the industrialization of the state.
He described the law as a major milestone that sets Abia state ahead of other states of the federation, adding that with the planned signing of an MoU to buy a 60% stake in EEDC, Abia would be able to feed the remaining 8 LGAS of Abia Central and North in addition to wheeling power to other south East states.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuribe, said that the state is blessed with lots of tourism sites, noting that if they are properly harnessed, it will make Abia a viable place with huge potential to boost the state’s IGR.
He noted that the tourism sector is open for private sector participation, adding that the Ministry has initiated an Igbo program, “Oge Omenala,” which provides an opportunity for the people to talk about their rich cultural heritage.
