Nigerian Government Revamping National War Museum Boosts History, Tourism

On Mar 23, 2025

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to revitalizing the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker in Umuahia in partnership with the Abia State Government.

The Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway, announced this on Tuesday during a visit to Governor Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

Holloway emphasized that the initiative would be instrumental in preserving history and promoting tourism.

“This is not just about having a museum; it is about creating a space where people can truly learn and connect with the rich history of the Nigerian Civil War and its surrounding narratives,” he said.

Holloway emphasised the need to upgrade these historical sites to world-class standards, ensuring they serve as educational and cultural landmarks.

According to him the two key aspects of the project include infrastructural improvements and storytelling.

He said that while infrastructural improvements were relatively straightforward, however, effectively narrating the events of the Civil War remains the biggest challenge.

“This is where NCMM comes in; we have museum professionals who can collaborate with professionals from around the world,” he added.

Holloway stated that other federal heritage sites in the state would also be revitalized. He specifically highlighted the Arochukwu Long Juju in Arochukwu as a cultural landmark with immense tourism potential if properly developed.

In response, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing Abia’s tourism sector, recognizing its economic benefits for both the state and the nation.

He noted that tourism has sustained the economies of countries with limited natural resources and, with the right approach, Abia could emerge as one of Nigeria’s top tourist destinations.

However, the governor pointed out that many of Abia’s key tourist sites, including the National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker, Arochukwu Long Juju, Umunneochi Cave, and the Azumini Blue River, are not yet in a condition suitable for marketing.

Otti stated that with cooperation between the state and federal governments, these tourist sites could be restored to global standards.

He noted that the infrastructure component of the project would require substantial funding, alongside the crucial aspect of storytelling—without which history risks being lost.

Emphasizing the urgency of preserving historical narratives, he warned that once key storytellers pass away, valuable history could disappear.

Otti assured that his administration had already begun efforts to develop the tourism sector even before the NCMM’s visit, describing their interest as a positive step forward.

Meanwhile, in an interview with journalists, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe, highlighted the collaboration between the federal and Abia governments as essential for revitalizing the state’s tourism sector.

Ekwuribe stated that most federally owned tourist attractions in Abia were currently in poor condition and not operating as viable tourism destinations.

“The National War Museum in Umuahia is the only war museum in West Africa,” he noted.

Restoring it to global standards, he added, would draw visitors from around the world, enhancing tourism, driving economic growth, and preserving the state’s cultural heritage.

NAN/Oluchi