The Abia State Government has approved the full renovation and upgrading of the Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum in Umuahia. Both historical sites played important roles during the Nigerian Civil War and remain major landmarks in the state. The decision was taken during Monday’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said the government wants to reposition the two heritage sites as strong historical and tourism assets for Abia and the country at large. He explained that the upgrade will preserve important parts of Nigeria’s past while also encouraging more visitors to the state.
“These war-time monuments are part of our collective history as a people,” Kanu said. “Renovating them will not only preserve our history but also boost Abia’s tourism potential.”
The Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum are among the most visited places in Umuahia. The bunker, also known as the “Ojukwu Command Post,” served as the underground office of the Biafran leader, late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, during the civil war. It is a significant site for people studying Nigeria’s past and for those interested in the events of the 1967–1970 conflict.
The National War Museum, established in 1985, houses a major collection of weapons, military vehicles, photographs and relics used during the civil war and other military operations in Nigeria. The museum attracts students, researchers and tourists from across the country.
In recent years, however, both sites have suffered from poor maintenance, ageing structures and reduced visitor numbers. Many residents and tourism experts have complained that the sites no longer reflect their importance and need full renovation.
The state government said the planned upgrade will include repairs, modernisation of facilities, improved security, better lighting, and enhanced presentation of historical items. Officials believe these improvements will create a more exciting and educational experience for visitors.
Speaking further, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mathew Ekwuribe, said the state government will complete all necessary agreements with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy within one month. These agencies oversee heritage sites and will work with the state government on the project.
Ekwuribe noted that collaboration with the federal bodies is important because the National War Museum belongs to the federal government. The state intends to ensure compliance with national standards in the renovation.
“This partnership will help us achieve a world-class upgrade of the sites,” Ekwuribe said. “Our goal is to make Umuahia a preferred destination for cultural tourism.”
The renovation plans reflect the Otti administration’s focus on rebuilding Abia’s economy by improving infrastructure and attracting investment. Tourism experts say the state has many untapped cultural and historical attractions, but poor facilities and low publicity have limited growth.
Reviving the Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum is seen as an opportunity to draw more local and international tourists. This, in turn, could help create jobs, increase revenue for small businesses, and promote a positive image for the state.
Umuahia, which served as the last capital of the defunct Biafran Republic, has deep historical significance. Many Nigerians and foreigners visit the city to learn about the civil war, making the restoration of the monuments an important step in strengthening heritage tourism.
During the same briefing, the Abia State Government announced that 119,438 people have successfully enrolled in the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme. This number brings the total of those registered under both the state and national health insurance programmes to 217,000.
The government described the growing enrollment as a major step toward achieving universal health coverage in the state. According to officials, the increase means more residents can now access affordable healthcare services without facing heavy financial burdens.
Health insurance schemes are designed to help citizens spread medical costs and receive care more easily. In many Nigerian states, low awareness and mistrust have slowed adoption. The Otti administration has been campaigning to encourage residents to register, especially vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children and the elderly.
Officials say the government will continue to educate the public on the benefits of the insurance scheme and expand partnerships with hospitals across the state.
In addition, the state government assured residents that there is no outbreak of any major disease in Abia State. The government specifically stated that there are no confirmed cases of Lassa fever, yellow fever, cholera, mpox, diphtheria or any other public health threat.
This reassurance comes at a time when several states in Nigeria have been battling outbreaks of cholera and diphtheria in recent months. Health experts say strong surveillance and early response are key to preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
With the approval to renovate the Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum, many residents see the move as long overdue. Cultural groups and historians in the state have often complained that important historical sites were being neglected.
