Alex Otti To Revamp National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker For Tourism

Alex Otti to revamp National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker for tourism. “By revamping these sites, we will not only preserve history but also create economic opportunities through tourism,” he said.

The Abia government says it will collaborate with the federal government to upgrade the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker, both in Umuahia, into world-class tourism destinations.

Information commissioner Okey Kanu disclosed this at the Government House, Umuahi while briefing journalists on the outcome of Monday’s State Executive Council meeting.

Mr Kanu said the initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, aims to preserve the state’s rich historical heritage while boosting tourism.

He expressed the Abia government’s commitment to making Abia a key destination for historical and cultural tourism.

“By revamping these sites, we will not only preserve history but also create economic opportunities through tourism,” he said.
According to him, the government has made broader efforts to identify and develop tourism sites across the state.

Mr Kanu also said the ministry recently discovered over 55 unique heritage sites across the state. He listed the sites to include Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi in Bende, the Mazi Okoro Orji’s Compound in Arochukwu, and Ntubugwo Oloko in Ikwuano, where participants in the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929 were tried, among others.

The commissioner also affirmed the government’s commitment to building a five-star hotel in Umuahia to support the growing tourism sector.

“These projects are part of a comprehensive strategy to make Abia a leading tourism hub, attract visitors, and boost the state’s economy,” Mr Kanu said.

Also, the commissioner for arts, culture, and creative economy, Matthew Ekwuribe, said Abia has numerous historical and natural attractions.

“Abia is blessed with waterfalls in at least three LGAs, caves in places like Alayi, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi, as well as the Azumini Blue River, a unique natural attraction.

Alex Otti

We also have Akwaete Beach, which remains an untapped coastal treasure,” Mr Ekwuribe said.
He also said if the sites got properly developed, they could position the state as a top tourism destination in Nigeria and beyond.

The commissioner also spoke about the uniqueness of the National War Museum, the only one of its kind in West Africa, and the Ojukwu Bunker, which played a significant role during the Nigerian Civil War.

He said, “These historical sites, if properly rehabilitated, would attract visitors from across the country and beyond.”

Abia Governor Alex Otti Signs Electricity Bill Into Law

Abia governor Alex Otti signs electricity bill into law. The governor said the integrated power initiative now stands as a model for power infrastructure in Nigeria.

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has signed the Abia State Electricity Bill into law, setting the stage for a new era of energy regulation, investment protection, and power expansion in the state.

Speaking after signing the bill into law on Monday in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Mr Otti said the legislation, which emanated from the Executive, received swift but thorough passage by the Abia House of Assembly.

“This law will ensure that we protect the investments made by Aba Power while granting the government the latitude to regulate.

“It is a document that will stand the test of time, protecting existing and prospective investors in the energy sector,” he said.

The governor said the bill benefited from the expertise of 15 international power experts from the United States, Canada, Southeast Asia, and Europe, who contributed pro bono.

He added that the state engaged Banwo & Ighodalo, a top-tier Nigerian law firm, to refine the legal framework of the bill before it was signed into law.

According to him, Abia has a unique electricity framework, with a ring-fenced power system that covers Aba South, Aba North, Osisioma,Obingwa, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, IsialaNgwa South and Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Areas (LGAs).

He said the state has Aba Power Ltd., an independent integrated power initiative, covering generation, transmission, and distribution,  which had been in development for two decades.

The governor said the integrated power initiative now stands as a model for power infrastructure in Nigeria.

Mr Otti said with the law in place, the government had started making efforts to integrate the remaining eight LGAs of Abia into a new Umuahia Ring-Fence, ensuring stable electricity across the state.

He said the legislation prioritises renewable energy solutions, positioning Abia as a leader in sustainable power initiatives.

Mr Otti disclosed that discussions were underway with Geometric Power, the parent company of Aba Power Ltd., to expand electricity distribution beyond Aba.

He added that plans were underway to establish the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) to ensure that the sector remains efficient and investor-friendly.

Mr Otti commended the 8th Abia State House of Assembly for its diligence and expertise in reviewing and passing the bill.

He said the  law had positioned the state as a choice destination for private investment in power generation, ensuring a more stable and efficient electricity supply for businesses and residents.

Mr Otti also hinted at the potential for Abia to supply electricity to other Southeastern states, generating additional revenue for the state.

The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, said that power plays a vital role in the achievement of development strides in the state.

Mr Emeruwa said:” We understand the rebuilding agenda of the present administration that is why we are working hand in glove with the Executive arm of the government.”

Also, the commissioner for power and public utility, Ikechukwu Monday, said the law would be aimed at creating a robust and reliable power market in the state.

Mr Monday said the law, which aligns with the Electricity Act 2023, would enable Abia to establish its own regulatory framework and attract investment in the power sector.

He described the legislation as a  product of extensive collaboration with global stakeholders and experts, tailored to the unique electricity ecosystem of Abia.

“Notably, Abia is one of the few states in Nigeria with a ring-fenced power zone covering nine local government areas, allowing for off-grid operations.
“Additionally, the state hosts two distribution companies: Aba Power Ltd. and Enugu Electricity Distribution Company,” he said.

He noted that the law had been designed to promote local participation and manpower development in the power sector.

Alex Otti

“Abia people are highly skilled, and this law ensures that we build the capacity needed to support not just the state’s power industry but also contribute to the global energy workforce,” he said.

He added that the law addresses critical issues such as vandalism, energy theft, and investment security, which have long hindered power sector growth.

Mr Monday also said that it makes clear provisions for investor protection, as the government hopes to create a more attractive business environment for local and foreign stakeholders.

He said  the legislation incorporates gender mainstreaming, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in Abia’s power sector in line with global best practices.

Mr Monday said that ASERA would oversee the implementation of the new electricity market framework and the process of setting up the agency would be completed within the next six to twelve months.

“This authority will be responsible for driving the development of Abia’s electricity market, ensuring compliance with regulations, and facilitating investment in the sector,” he added.

VP Shettima Hails Tinubu, Urges National Assembly Ro Shun Division, Partisanship

VP Shettima hails Tinubu, urges National Assembly to shun division, partisanship. Mr Shettima, who spoke on behalf of the president, also urged lawmakers to embrace their responsibility with humility and a shared commitment to progress.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has charged the National Assembly to uphold the sacred responsibility of leadership and prioritise unity and national development over political divisions and partisan interests.

He made the call on Monday when President Bola Tinubu hosted the leadership and members of the House of Representatives to Iftar at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Mr Shettima, who spoke on behalf of the president, also urged lawmakers to embrace their responsibility with humility and a shared commitment to progress.

He said, “In the end, history will not judge us by the number of personal battles we fought against one another, but by the bridges we were able to build together.

We are gathered here this evening not as adversaries in a contest for power but as partners in the noble task of nation-building.”

Reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, which coincides with the Lenten season, the vice-president called for deep introspection and a reaffirmation of commitment to Nigeria’s unity.

“This sacred month of reflection and renewal reminds us to choose stability over strife, collaboration over conflict, and dialogue over discord. What binds us as a nation is far greater than what divides us,” the vice-president said.

Mr Shettima commended Mr Tinubu’s leadership and described him as a “man of vision and inclusivity”.
“In President Tinubu, you have not just a leader you can trust, but a leader who trusts you,” stated Mr Shettima.

“He sees you as stewards of our democracy, as voices of the people, and as partners in our shared aspiration to build a better Nigeria.”

Mr Shettima said the government’s economic policies were yielding results, adding that the economy has turned the corner.

“We are now on the path to sustained economic growth, and with perseverance, we will create a Nigeria where every citizen can thrive,” he added

Shettima Hails Tinubu

The vice-president also lauded the speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and the House leadership for fostering harmony within the legislature.

“There can be no development without peace, and there can be no peace without development. The unity within the House is a testament to our collective resolve to move Nigeria forward,” he said.