Abia Wants UNESCO to Notice Its Heritage Sites — And Honestly, They Should

The Abia State Government has approved a plan to elevate several cultural and natural sites to state heritage and monument status, with an eye on eventual UNESCO World Heritage recognition.

Newly designated state monuments in Umuahia include the National War Museum, the Ojukwu Bunker and Government College, while Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu and Ulochukwu Caves in Alayi Bende have been named natural monuments. Retrofitting work on the Ojukwu Bunker and War Museum is already about 80% complete, with full completion expected by the end of 2026, and grading has begun on the access road to Ibom Waterfall.

Aba has also been designated a “Creative and Innovative City,” and the state says it will erect monuments at strategic locations, including one honouring the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women’s Uprising.

Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu said the move would “enhance their tourism potential and position them for possible recognition as UNESCO heritage sites.”

Long overdue attention for sites that deserve to be more than a footnote in Nigerian history books.

Source: Premium Times.