The Abia government has announced plans to partner with the Federal Gov­ernment to upgrade the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker, both in Umuahia, into world-class tourism destinations.

Okey Kanu, the Commissioner For Information disclosed this at the Gov­ernment House, Umuahi while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting, saying the initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, aims to preserve the state’s rich historical heritage while boosting tourism.

Expressing Abia government’s commitment to develop the tourism potential of the state and make it a historical and cultural tourism desti­nation, he said, “By revamping these sites, we will not only preserve history but also create economic opportunities through tourism.”

According to him, the ministry recently discovered over 55 unique heritage sites across the state namely Ulo Chukwu Cave in Alayi in Bende, the Mazi Okoro Orji’s Compound in Arochukwu, and Ntubugwo Oloko in Ikwuano, where participants in the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929 were tried, among others.

The commissioner also affirmed the government’s commitment to building a five-star hotel in Umuahia to support the growing tourism sector.

“These projects are part of a com­prehensive strategy to make Abia a leading tourism hub, attract visitors, and boost the state’s economy,” Mr Kanu said.

Also, the commissioner for arts, cul­ture, and creative economy, Matthew Ekwuribe, said Abia has numerous historical and natural attractions.

“Abia is blessed with waterfalls in at least three LGAs, caves in places like Alayi, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi, as well as the Azumini Blue River, a unique natural attraction. We also have Akwaete Beach, which remains an untapped coastal treasure,” Mr Ekwuribe said.

He also said if the sites got properly developed, they could position the state as a top tourism destination in Nigeria and beyond.

The commissioner also spoke about the uniqueness of the National War Museum, the only one of its kind in West Africa, and the Ojukwu Bunker, which played a significant role during the Nigerian Civil War.

He said: “These historical sites, if properly rehabilitated, would attract visitors from across the country and beyond.”