NEWS
ABSG Approves National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker, Government College as State Monuments, Targets UNESCO Heritage Status, Unveils Ibom Waterfall Tourism Corridor and Declares Aba a Creative and Innovative City
The Abia State Government (ABSG) has approved the designation of several historically and naturally significant sites across the state as State Monuments and State Natural Monuments, in a major step aimed at preserving the state’s rich heritage, strengthening its tourism sector and unlocking new economic opportunities.
The landmark decision was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR.
Under the new designation, the National War Museum, Umuahia; Ojukwu Bunker, Umuahia; and Government College, Umuahia, have been approved as State Monuments, while Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu and Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Bende Local Government Area, have been designated State Natural Monuments.
The development represents a significant move by the Alex Otti administration to place Abia’s historical, cultural and natural assets at the centre of its broader economic development and tourism agenda.
According to Prince Kanu, the designation is expected to provide a stronger framework for the preservation and promotion of the sites while positioning them for greater visibility and international recognition.
“These sites have been elevated to heritage sites that enhances the State’s tourism potential.
“With this approval, they are primed to attract recognition as UNESCO Heritage Sites.” Prince Kanu stated.
The Commissioner explained that the elevation of the sites would not only safeguard important elements of Abia’s history and cultural identity but would also create opportunities for increased tourism, investment, employment and economic activity around the heritage locations.
In another major development, Prince Kanu announced that Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State and one of Nigeria’s most renowned centres of indigenous enterprise and craftsmanship, has been designated a Creative and Innovative City.
The designation recognises Aba’s longstanding contribution to commerce, manufacturing, innovation, entrepreneurship and the creative economy, further reinforcing the city’s strategic importance to the economic transformation agenda of the state.
Prince Kanu also disclosed that significant progress had been recorded in the ongoing retrofitting of the Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum in Umuahia, with both projects now about 80 per cent completed.
He said the projects were expected to be completed before the end of 2026, adding that their completion would significantly improve the preservation and presentation of the historical sites.
Beyond preserving the historical value of the facilities, the retrofitting is expected to provide a better experience for tourists and visitors while enhancing the sites’ attractiveness as major destinations for historical and cultural tourism.
The Commissioner further announced that the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy had received approval to develop the Ibom Waterfall Tourism Corridor in Arochukwu, another strategic intervention designed to harness Abia’s natural attractions for tourism and economic development.
According to him, work has already commenced on the project, including the grading of access roads leading to the waterfall. The project is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.
The development of the Ibom Waterfall Tourism Corridor is expected to improve accessibility to the natural attraction, stimulate tourism-related businesses and create new opportunities for local communities and investors within the corridor.
Prince Kanu also revealed that the Ministry had commenced the erection of monuments at strategic locations across Abia State as part of efforts to preserve the state’s heritage, honour its heroes and heroines and strengthen the people’s connection with their history and cultural identity.
One of the monuments is dedicated to the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women’s Riot, commemorating the courage, resilience, resistance and leadership demonstrated by the women during one of the most significant episodes in the history of colonial-era southeastern Nigeria.
The initiative underscores the administration’s broader effort to ensure that important chapters of Abia’s history are not only preserved but also properly represented and made accessible to present and future generations.
With the designation of the historic and natural sites, the ongoing restoration of major heritage locations, the development of the Ibom Waterfall Tourism Corridor, the recognition of Aba as a Creative and Innovative City and the erection of monuments across the state, the Abia State Government is positioning culture, heritage, tourism and creativity as important components of the state’s emerging economic development strategy.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Mathew Ekwu
ribe, was also present at the briefing.