Abia Begins Major Upgrade of Tourist Sites to Boost Economy, Heritage Preservation

Abia State is intensifying efforts to unlock its tourism potential as part of a broader strategy to drive economic growth, cultural revival and sustainable development across the state.

The state, which is richly endowed with numerous tourism attractions, has begun implementing plans to develop key heritage and leisure sites under the administration of Governor Alex Otti, who assumed office in 2023.

The government is currently working on the development of about 17 tourism sites, including the Azumiri Blue River, while also planning the creation of leisure parks in Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia. In addition, the state is engaging the Federal Government to regain management control of some key heritage assets, notably the Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum, both located in Umuahia.

Governor Otti had earlier hinted at plans to establish an entertainment village in the state during the 65th birthday celebration of veteran musician Bright Chimezie, noting that the initiative would promote creative enterprise and entertainment.

As part of ongoing tourism revitalisation efforts, the state has commenced the reconstruction of the long-abandoned five-star Enyimba Hotel in Aba, with international hospitality brand Radisson Blu expected to manage the facility upon completion.

The administration has also identified over 55 potential heritage and tourism sites across the state and is working on eco-tourism development hubs alongside the digitisation of cultural and historical landmarks.

According to the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy embarked on a statewide exploratory mission that led to the discovery of more than 55 viable heritage sites.

“Notable among the sites are the Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Bende Local Government Area, the Mazi Okorie Orji’s compound in Arochukwu, and Ntugbo, Oloko in Ikwuano, where participants in the famous Aba Women’s Riot of 1929 were tried,” Kanu said.

The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuribe, said Abia is endowed with eco-friendly tourism assets that, if properly harnessed, could significantly boost the state’s internally generated revenue. He also stressed that the tourism sector remains open for private sector investment and participation.

Speaking at a joint press briefing, Kanu and Ekwuribe announced the immediate commencement of renovation, retrofitting and upgrade works on three major tourism sites: the Arochukwu Waterfall, Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum.

Kanu said the decision to begin the phased development of the Arochukwu Waterfall was approved by the State Executive Council.

“In a strategic move to boost the tourism potential of the state, Council has approved the first phase of the retrofitting of the Arochukwu Waterfall in Ibom as part of efforts to enhance its tourism value,” he said.

He explained that the first phase would include construction of visitor facilities such as entrance gates, souvenir shops, town stands, bush bars and convenience centres aimed at improving accessibility and visitor experience.

The Arochukwu Waterfall, also known as “Ogba N’ Nkume” or the 79 Steps Waterfall, is a historic natural attraction in Amanagwu, linked to the Long Juju slave route and Ibini Ukpabi shrine. The site, which features 79 stone steps carved into the hillside during the colonial era, is regarded as both a scenic and historical landmark.

Meanwhile, plans to upgrade the Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum are being carried out in collaboration with the Federal Government through the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).

Ekwuribe recalled that approval for the renovation of both sites was earlier granted following agreements between the state government and relevant federal agencies, with work expected to commence after the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding.

The Ojukwu Bunker, built during the Nigerian Civil War in 1968 as a strategic underground command centre for Biafran leader, Lt. Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu, is currently preserved as a historical monument within the National War Museum complex.

The National War Museum in Umuahia, established in 1985, houses military artefacts from the Nigerian Civil War and serves as a centre for historical education, peace promotion and research. It is widely regarded as Nigeria’s foremost repository of civil war history.

According to officials, the ongoing tourism development drive is aimed at transforming Abia into a leading tourist destination, creating employment opportunities, improving internally generated revenue, and enhancing urban aesthetics through broader state beautification programmes.