The commissioner for information in Abia, Mr Okey Kanu, says the executive council has approved the retrofitting of the long-abandoned Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum.

Mr Kanu said this while briefing newsmen at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of Monday’s EXCO meeting. He said that the approval followed agreements between the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the state’s Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.

He said, “The council has approved the comprehensive retrofitting of Ojukwu Bunker, a major historical monument in the state and country. The innovation and upgrade of the facilities will modernise both the iconic heritage site, enrich and restore visitor experience to the centre and reposition the bunker as a leading tourist site in the state and country.

“This intervention, therefore, reinforces the state government’s unwavering commitment to preserve our history, while elevating the state’s tourism potential. Also, it will ultimately and further provide employment and business opportunities for the people of Abia.”

The commissioner also announced that the three-day Abia-Turkey Investment Summit, slated to begin on Tuesday, would showcase the state’s investment opportunities and strengthen Nigeria-Turkey and Abia-Turkey business relations.

He said the event would feature exhibitions covering manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, leather, energy, infrastructure, trade, and logistics.

Mr Kanu said the summit would be held at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia. He also announced that preparations were ongoing for several Christmas events organised by the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. He said the events include Comedy Fest, scheduled for December 12, in Umuahia and the 2025 Abia Christmas Carol, which would hold on December 20.

He said the activities were aimed at enriching the state’s festive atmosphere for residents and visitors.

Also, the commissioner for arts, culture and creative economy, Matthew Ekwuruibe, confirmed the approval for the retrofitting of Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum. Mr Ekwuruibe recalled that delays in commencing the renovation project were due to federal processes, since both facilities belong to the federal government.

He said the state had reached the stage of finalising its Memorandum of Understanding agreement with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy. He further said that work should begin within three weeks to one month, and described the project as a key campaign promise of Governor Alex Otti.

Mr Ekwuruibe said the Abia Comedy Fest would be organised by Enyioha Global Promotions, in partnership with the state government, and would feature homegrown talent. He further said that preparations were ongoing for the Christmas Carol and other festive activities.

Mr Ekwuruibe said that the beautification works were underway in Aba, in partnership with Nigerian Breweries. He said that the state had retrofitted monuments on BCA Road and would soon begin erecting new ones, and that the government was working to enhance Abia’s environmental outlook.

(NAN)