The Abia State Government has debunked reports that akara sellers and other petty traders in the state are being compelled to pay N50,000 as tax, describing the claim as misinformation.
The government also said it had approved the designation of some historical and natural sites as State Monuments and State Natural Monuments while declaring Aba a Creative and Innovative City.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said the historical sites approved as State Monuments include the National War Museum, Umuahia; Ojukwu Bunker, Umuahia; and Government College, Umuahia.
Those designated State Natural Monuments are Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu and Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Bende Local Government Area.
According to him, the designations would strengthen the government’s efforts to preserve the state’s cultural and natural heritage, promote tourism, and open up new economic opportunities.
“These sites have been elevated to heritage sites that enhance the state’s tourism potential. With this approval, they are primed to attract recognition as UNESCO Heritage Sites,” Kanu said.
He further disclosed that Aba had been designated a Creative and Innovative City in recognition of its longstanding commercial, industrial, and creative significance.
The commissioner said the retrofitting of the Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum had reached about 80 percent completion and was expected to be concluded before the end of 2026.
He said the projects would improve the preservation of the sites, enhance visitors’ experience, and strengthen their tourism potential.
Kanu also disclosed that the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy had received approval to develop the Ibom Waterfall Tourism Corridor in Arochukwu.
He said work had commenced, including grading of access roads to the waterfall, with completion expected before the end of the year.
The commissioner added that the state government had commenced the erection of monuments at strategic locations to preserve Abia’s heritage, honor its heroes and heroines, and promote the state’s cultural identity.
He cited a monument being dedicated to the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women’s Riot as one such initiative, saying it would celebrate their courage, resilience, resistance, and leadership.
