The Abia State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy has initiated plans to revitalize its cultural and historical sites, with a focus on leveraging technology and innovation to attract tourists.
This development emerged during a high-level meeting between the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Dr. Matt Ekwuruibe, and a delegation from the National War Museum, led by its Curator, Mrs. Stella Alao.
The meeting, which took place on Thursday in Umuahia, was focused on strategies to modernize Abia’s museums and monuments. Key proposals included integrating virtual and augmented reality (VAR) to create immersive experiences, developing child-friendly spaces, and showcasing real artefacts to highlight the state’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr Ekwuruibe emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving Abia’s heritage and transforming its historical sites into leading tourist destinations.
“Our goal is to bring Abia’s rich history to life, and this collaboration marks a significant step toward that vision,” he stated.
As part of the plans, the ministry will conduct visits to the National War Museum and the Ojukwu Bunker to assess their current state and identify areas for improvement. These iconic sites are expected to play a central role in the state’s efforts to position itself as a cultural tourism hub.
The Curator of the National War Museum, Mrs Stella Alao, commended the Abia State government for its proactive approach and pledged the museum’s support in achieving these objectives.
