Abia leverages Aba strength on manufacturing, leatherworks to seek world recognition

…Wants Aba named UNESCO Creative City

The Abia State Government has intensified efforts to secure international recognition for Aba, as a member of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network.

The move is aimed at showcasing the commercial city’s globally acclaimed strengths in fashion, leatherworks and indigenous manufacturing.

Okey Kanu, State’s Commissioner for Information, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu noted that the bid forms part of the Otti led administration’s strategy to showcase Aba, as a hub for fashion and craftsmanship, as well as promote tourism, culture and the creative economy.

He said that the state’s application for Aba’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network under the design category was making steady progress.

According to him, the initiative is designed to project Aba’s reputation, as a centre of innovation and craftsmanship to the global community.

“Let me inform us that the bid for the designation of Aba, as a UNESCO Creative City is ongoing with significant progress recorded so far.

“Enlisted under the design category, Aba is globally recognised for its fashion, leather works and craftsmanship continues to strengthen its case for inclusion in the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

“This is a project that is supposed to or is designed to showcase Aba, as a hub for fashion, leather works and craftsmanship”, Prince Kanu said.

The Commissioner disclosed that the state government has initiated major tourism development projects and alsi announced the state government’s approval for the construction of monuments in strategic locations across Aba and Umuahia to preserve the state’s cultural heritage and boost tourism.

He said that renovation and retrofitting works had commenced at the Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum, adding that the project would enhance historical education and tourism.

Kanu disclosed that the Government, in partnership with the Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Women Affairs, would stage a reenactment of the historic Aba Women Riot to honour the heroines of the movement and celebrate distinguished women across the state.

He further announced the approval of the development of the Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu, as a tourism project.

According to him, stakeholder consultations have been concluded successfully with strong community support, while the project is expected to create significant economic and tourism opportunities.

On transportation, Kanu said that the recently commissioned Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal and the Abia Green Shuttle electric bus scheme had positioned the state among sub-national governments investing in modern transport infrastructure.

The Commissioner, said that the projects were designed to promote safety, efficiency, affordability and sustainable mobility while supporting economic growth.

He further disclosed that the Aba Central Bus Terminal was under construction and would feature 40 bus shelters, charging stations and junction improvement works upon completion.

Kanu said that the state’s Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centres in Aba and Umuahia are fully operational, providing modern vehicle testing services aimed at improving roadworthiness and reducing accidents.

Matthew Ekwuribe, Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, said that the process of securing UNESCO Creative City status for Aba, could take between two and three years, but remained a worthwhile pursuit, because of the city’s established reputation as a hub of innovation, fashion and manufacturing.

Ekwuribe, said the State Government had already engaged UNESCO, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to advance the application process.

The Commissioner further said that renovation works were ongoing at the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker in collaboration with the NCMM.

He said that the projects, alongside the proposed development of the Ibom Waterfall, were part of efforts to strengthen the state’s tourism ecosystem and increase economic activities.

Speaking on transport operations, Chimezie Ukaegbu, commissioner for Transport, said that the migration of transport operators to the new bus terminal would be implemented in phases.

Ukaegbu said that the Abia Green Shuttle buses had already commenced operations from the facility, while other commercial transport operators would relocate there gradually.

“The terminal was built to accommodate organised transport services, and all operators will eventually move into the facility”, he said.

Ferdinand Ekeoma, special adviser to the Governor Alex Otti, on Media and Publicity, while responding to concerns over salary arrears owed workers of the Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS), said that the affected workers have been integrated into the state civil service system.

Ekeoma explained that the delay in payment resulted from efforts to properly capture all staff members and regularise their employment status.

He assured that the process has been completed and that payment of the outstanding salaries, would commence soon.