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The Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to revitalize the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker in Umuahia, working alongside the Abia Government.
The Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, disclosed this on Tuesday during his visit to Gov. Alex Otti of Abia in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Holloway stated that this initiative is crucial for improving historical preservation and enhancing the tourism industry.
“This initiative goes beyond merely establishing a museum; it aims to create an environment where individuals can genuinely learn and engage with the rich history surrounding the Nigerian Civil War and related stories,” he remarked.
Holloway stressed the importance of upgrading these historical sites to meet global standards, ensuring they function as educational and cultural landmarks.
He pointed out that the project consists of two main components: infrastructural advancements and effective storytelling. While making infrastructural improvements is relatively simple, effectively conveying the narrative of the Civil War poses the greatest challenge. “This is where the NCMM plays a role; we possess museum experts who can partner with professionals worldwide,” he noted.
Holloway also mentioned that other federal heritage sites within the state would be revitalized, highlighting the Arochukwu Long Juju as a cultural landmark with significant tourism potential if developed appropriately.
In response, Gov. Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing Abia’s tourism sector due to its significant economic potential for both the state and the nation.
He emphasized that tourism has bolstered the economies of countries with limited natural resources, suggesting that with the right strategies, Abia could emerge as one of Nigeria’s premier tourist destinations. The governor pointed out that many of Abia’s key tourist attractions, including the National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker, Arochukwu Long Juju, Umunneochi Cave, and the Azumini Blue River, are not currently in a condition suitable for tourism.
Otti articulated that collaboration between state and federal governments is essential to elevate these attractions to global standards. He noted that the infrastructure aspect of the project would necessitate substantial funding, along with the critical storytelling component “without which history fades away.”
He emphasized the urgent need to document historical narratives while key storytellers are still living, warning that once they are gone, invaluable history may be lost.
Otti assured that his administration had already commenced efforts to enhance tourism before the visit from the NCMM, welcoming their interest as a positive development.
Moreover, in a news interview, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuribe, referred to the partnership between the federal and Abia governments as vital for rejuvenating the state’s tourism sector.
Ekwuribe pointed out that many tourist attractions in Abia owned by the federal government are currently in poor condition and do not function as viable tourism destinations.
“The National War Museum in Umuahia is the sole war museum in West Africa. Restoring it to meet international standards would draw visitors from across the globe, enhancing tourism, economic development, and cultural preservation in the state,” he asserted.
