Abia identifies 55 heritage sites, partners FG to revamp Umuahia war museum
Abia State Government has announced the discovery of over 55 viable heritage sites across the state, saying that they would be developed to boost tourism in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who announced this to journalists after yesterday’s State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, said that the sites were discovered by the State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in its bid to identify the state’s heritage and memorial sites.
The sites, according to him, include the Ulochukwu Cave, in Alayi Bende Local Council, Mazi Okoro Oji’s Compound, in Arochukwu, Ntugbo, in Oloko Ikwuano, where participants in the famous Aba Women riots of 1929 were tried, noting that “in due course, these sites would be activated and preserved for their historical significance and tourism potential.”
The Commissioner also disclosed that the state government is to, in collaboration with the Federal Government, revamp the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker, both in Umuahia.
the state capital, and turn them into world-class tourism destinations. He added that this initiative is to preserve history while attracting tourists to the state.
Speaking on the matter, the state Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Commissioner, Dr. Matthew Ekwuribe, expressed optimism that if these potentially viable sites the state is endowed with are properly harnessed, Abia would be turned into a notable tourism state, which would boost its revenue.
He however said that the state tourism sector is open for private sector participation and that his ministry has initiated an Igbo programme tagged, “Oge Omenala” (Culture Time), saying it provides an opportunity for the people to talk about their rich cultural heritage on some state-based FM Radio stations every Wednesday between 11- 12 p.m..
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