NEWS
ABIA STATE GOVT APPROVES MAJOR TOURISM BOOST AS FIRST PHASE RETROFITTING OF AROCHUKWU WATERFALL SET TO TRANSFORM STATE INTO TOP DESTINATION, CREATE JOBS AND INCREASE IGR
The Abia State Government has taken a bold and strategic step toward unlocking its vast tourism potential, as it officially approves the first phase of the retrofitting of the Arochukwu Waterfall Ibom, located in Arochukwu Local Government Area.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who revealed that the initiative aligns with the broader development agenda of the administration to reposition Abia State as a prime tourism hub in Nigeria.
According to Prince Kanu, the decision underscores the government’s deliberate efforts to harness the rich natural and historical assets of the state, while also stimulating economic growth through increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities for residents.
“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 the tourism value of the waterfall as a tourist site.
“This first phase will cover the development of key visitor infrastructure and this includes entrance gates, souvenir shops, town stand, bush bar, and convenience facilities to improve accessibility and comfort, as well as overall tourist experience for visitors,“ Prince Kanu stated.
Further elaborating on the government’s comprehensive tourism development blueprint, the Commissioner disclosed that the intervention is not limited to Arochukwu alone. He noted that several other iconic tourist attractions across the state are also set to undergo significant upgrades and modernization.
Among these is the historic Ojukwu Bunker in Umuahia, a site of immense cultural and historical importance. Prince Kanu explained that the planned renovations are part of a collaborative effort between the Abia State Government through the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Arts and the Federal Government.
He added that the partnership is aimed at transforming key heritage institutions, including the National War Museum and the Ojukwu Bunker, into world-class tourism destinations capable of attracting both local and international visitors.
The development signals a new era for Abia’s tourism sector, as the state government intensifies efforts to diversify the economy, promote cultural heritage, and position Abia as a must-visit destination on Nigeri
a’s tourism map.