The Abia State Executive Council has approved the comprehensive reconstruction and retrofitting of the Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum in Umuahia, two major historical monuments of national significance.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, announced this in Umuahia while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said the move aligns with the governor’s vision to transform the state’s cultural, historical and creative landscape.
“This follows the finalisation of agreements between the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.
“The renovation and upgrade will modernise the iconic heritage sites, restore the visitor experience, and reposition the bunker as a leading tourist destination in the state and the country,” he said.
The commissioner added that the intervention underscores the government’s commitment to preserving history while boosting tourism and creating employment and business opportunities for Abia residents.
Kanu also disclosed that the state government had lined up several arts, culture and creative-economy events for this year’s Christmas season.
“The first in the series is a comedy fest scheduled for December 12, 2025, in Umuahia,” he said, adding that home-grown talents and notable artistes will feature. Abia State’s Christmas carol will hold on December 20, 2025.
He noted that the activities were designed to elevate the state’s festive atmosphere during the Yuletide.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuruibe, said the state was 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 project.
He stated that reconstruction would commence soon, describing it as a fulfilment of Governor Otti’s campaign promises.
“And this is one of the promises His Excellency made during his campaign. Many of them are now coming to fruition,” he said.
Ekwuruibe added that the state would present the Abia Comedy Fest featuring home-grown comedians and musicians.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, was also present at the briefing.
