Abia Govt. expresses desire to revive monuments, museums in collaboration with FG

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Tourism and Entertainment to Governor Alex Otti, Martins Okey Justice, has said the state government is determined to collaborate with the Federal Government in order to revive and refurbish the national museums and monuments across the state.

He made the disclosure in a statement sighted by our correspondent in Umuahia the state capital on Monday.

He revealed that he had paid a courtesy visit to Prof. Abba Tijani, Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), headquarters, Abuja, expressed government’s desire to revamp the sector.

The SSA who is popularly known as J. Martins, stated that he was received on behalf of the D-G by the Director of Museums, Mr Abdul Gimba and other management staff, made special reference to the dilapidated former Eastern Nigeria Administrative Building, popularly known as Ojukwu Bunker.

He said the government would revamp not Ojukwu Bunker alone, but also other monuments belonging to the Commission in the state.

Martins said he was received instructions from Gov. Otti to supervise a total overhaul of the Culture and Tourism sector in the state to reposition it for tourist attraction and employment opportunities.

He said that the governor was very passionate about tourism and hospitality sector and decided to set a precedence in the state.

According to him, I can assure you that in the next two to three years, you will be surprised at the level of development you will see in the state.

He said, “And for us as a government, we have taken up this decision and see how we can go into partnership with the Commission to revive the dilapidated historical monuments and museums in our state.

“I’m most grateful to the Commission for the warmth reception and for expressing their happiness that the governor is thinking towards this direction.