FG Approves Abia’s Renovation, Upgrade of Ojukwu Bunker, National War Museum

The federal government has given Abia State the nod to renovate and upgrade Ojukwu Bunker and War Museum to international tourist sites.

The approval followed agreements signed between the National Commissions for Museums and Monuments and Abia State Government to modernize the two federal government facilities located in Umuahia, where important relics of the Nigeria-Biafra war are housed.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced this Monday evening while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the weekly State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided by Governor Alex Otti.

“We are also pleased to announce key milestones that continue to transform the state’s cultural, historical and creative landscape in line with the government’s vision for the arts, culture, and creative economy of the state.

“In this way, Council has approved the comprehensive retrofitting of Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum, two major historical monuments in the state and country.

“This follows the finalization of agreements between the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.

“The renovation and upgrade of the facilities at the two centres will modernize both iconic heritage sites, enrich visitor’s historical experience and reposition the bunker and the museum as leading tourist sites in the state and country,” Kanu said.

He said this intervention reinforces the state government’s unwavering commitment to “preserve our history while elevating the state’s tourist potential, which ultimately will further provide employment and business opportunities for Abians.”

At the joint press briefing, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe, disclosed that work at the sites would within one month when the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the federal government and Abia State, be finalized.

“We are working closely with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Economy, to ensure that we finalize the MOU and then work with the government.

“So as soon as possible, it will be probably in another three weeks or one month, we should be able to start the retrofitting of those facilities,” Ekwuribe said.

The two Commissioners hinted that the state government, through the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, was packaging a number of events to mark this year’s Christmas season and welcome Abians and visitors to the state during Yuletide. 

“A number of activities have been lined up to mark this year’s Christmas season, and the first in the series of events will be a Comedy Fest scheduled to hold on the 12th of December, 2021 in Umuahia.

A number of homegrown talents, alongside other notable artistes, will feature at the fest. Abia State Christmas Carol is also scheduled for the 20th of December, 2025,” Prince Kanu said.