𝐀𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐎𝐣𝐮𝐤𝐰𝐮 𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐫, 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦

The Abia State Executive Council has approved the full reconstruction and retrofitting of the Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum in Umuahia, two heritage landmarks of national historical importance.

Announcing the decision after the council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu said the project aligns with the administration’s plan to revitalise the state’s cultural and creative landscape. He noted that agreements between the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy had been finalised.

According to Kanu, the upgrade will modernise the sites, improve visitor experience and reposition the bunker as a major tourist attraction in both the state and the country. He added that the government’s intervention reflects its commitment to preserving history, boosting tourism and creating economic opportunities for residents.

The commissioner also revealed that several arts, culture and creative-economy events have been lined up for the Christmas season. He said the first will be a comedy festival on December 12 in Umuahia, featuring home-grown talent and notable artistes, while the annual Abia Christmas carol is scheduled for December 20.

Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuruibe, said the state is working closely with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to finalise the Memorandum of Understanding for the reconstruction. He described the project as part of Governor Otti’s campaign promises, noting that work will commence soon.