Abia Moves to Position War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker for UNESCO Status

The Abia State Government has elevated select cultural and natural sites to state heritage and monument status, as part of broader efforts to position them for future recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday in Umuahia.

According to Kanu, the State Executive Council approved the declaration of selected heritage and natural sites as state heritage and monuments, in a move aimed at strengthening their preservation and promotion. Among the approved sites are the National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker, and Government College — all located in Umuahia — designated as state monuments. The Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu and Ulochukwu Caves at Alayi Bende were also listed as state natural monuments.

Kanu explained that this elevation would enhance the tourism potential of the sites and position them favourably for possible recognition as UNESCO heritage sites. He further announced the designation of Aba as a Creative and Innovative City, describing the move as part of efforts to promote the state's cultural, creative, and tourism potential.

The commissioner disclosed that retrofitting work on the Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum has reached approximately 80 per cent completion, with the project expected to be finished before the end of 2026. He said the completed projects would enhance the preservation and historical value of the sites, improve the visitor experience, and boost their overall tourism potential.

Kanu also revealed that the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy has begun developing the Ibom Waterfall Tourism Corridor in Arochukwu, with initial works — including the grading of access roads to the waterfall — already underway. The project is likewise expected to be completed before the end of 2026 and is anticipated to unlock additional tourism and economic opportunities for the state.

According to Kanu, the ministry has also commenced erecting monuments at strategic locations across the state to preserve Abia's heritage and honour its heroes and heroines. He noted that one such monument would specifically honour the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women's Uprising, celebrating their courage, resilience, resistance, and leadership.

The commissioner said these initiatives reflect the state government's broader commitment to preserving its historical and cultural assets while leveraging them to drive tourism and economic development.

On Tax Rates and Gratuity Payments

Addressing concerns over circulating tax rates, Kanu clarified that the figures being discussed were not new, noting that most date back to 2020 and were introduced under the previous administration. He stated that the Abia Board of Internal Revenue cannot increase tax rates without enabling legislation, and confirmed that no such increase has been introduced by the board. He also dismissed reports claiming that an akara seller was being charged N50,000 in tax, describing the claim as false. "Akara sellers don't pay tax or levies, they pay daily tolls, and none can pay as high as N50,000," he said.

On the matter of outstanding gratuity payments, Kanu confirmed that the state government has completed payments covering the 2001 to 2010 batch, while preparations for the 2011 to 2025 batch are currently underway. He dismissed claims that the government had been pressured by opposition figures to commence these payments, describing such narratives as misleading.

He explained that the government had incorporated gratuity provisions into its 2026 to 2030 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework to prevent future arrears from accumulating. "This does not translate to the payments being terminated in 2031. So, as soon as the internal processes are done with, these payments will continue at pace and in batches," Kanu said.