The Abia State Government says it is determined to transform the war-time Ojukwu Bunker, the National War Museum in Umuahia, Ibom Waterfalls in Arochukwu, and its other tourism sites into world-class tourism centres.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuruibe, gave the assurance in his office on Tuesday when he received members of the Ikeji Aro Festival Planning Committee.
He said that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is doing everything possible to preserve important Igbo cultural and heritage sites, as well as to protect Igbo history and language from extinction.
According to him, “any cultural practices or celebrations that is not diabolical in nature will continue to recieve the support of the State government.”
Ekwuruibe, who praised the role of the Ikeji Aro Festival in deepening both Aro and wider Igbo culture, disclosed that the State will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Commission to project the Oloko Magistrate Court, where participants in the 1929 Women’s Riot were tried, alongside developing other sites.
President General of Nzuko Aro, Nnadozie Udensi, commended Governor Alex Otti and the Commissioner for projecting Aro culture to the world, while Achinivu Okoroafor, chairman of the Sub-Committee on UNESCO and Culture, said that the Ikeji Aro Festival will unify the people.
Abia reaffirms plan to make Ojukwu Bunker, War Museum world-class tourism centres
