Abia Govt Approves Monuments, Ibom Waterfall Development to Boost Tourism and Preserve Heritage

ABIA – The state government says it has initiated major tourism development projects with approval for the construction of monuments in strategic locations across Aba and Umuahia to preserve the state’s cultural heritage and boost tourism.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu who stated this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s executive council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, said renovation and retrofitting works have commenced at the Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum, to enhance historical education and tourism.

The Information Commissioner disclosed that the government, in partnership with the Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Women Affairs, would stage a reenactment of the historic Aba Women Riot to honour the heroines of the movement and celebrate distinguished women across the state.

He further announced the approval of the development of the Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu as a tourism project, noting that stakeholder consultations have been concluded successfully with strong community support as the project is expected to create significant economic and tourism opportunities.

Prince Kanu also said that the state’s bid for Aba’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network under the Design category is progressing steadily adding that the initiative is aimed at showcasing Aba’s globally recognised strengths in fashion, leather works and craftsmanship.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuribe, said renovation works are ongoing at the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker in collaboration with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, noting that the projects, alongside the proposed development of the Ibom Waterfall, are part of efforts to strengthen the state’s tourism ecosystem and increase economic activities.

He said the process for securing UNESCO Creative City status for Aba could take between two and three years but remained important because of the city’s reputation as a hub for innovation, fashion and manufacturing, adding that the state government has already engaged UNESCO, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and the NCMM on the initiative.

Speaking on The transport Sector, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, said the migration of transport operators to the new bus terminal would be implemented in phases., pointing out that the Abia Green Shuttle buses have already commenced operations from the facility, while other commercial transport operators would relocate there gradually.

Responding to concerns over salary arrears owed workers of the Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the affected workers have been integrated into the state civil service system.

He explained that the delay in payment resulted from efforts to properly capture all staff members and regularise their employment status, assuring that the process has been completed and that payment of the outstanding salaries would commence soon.