Culture

Abia State identifies 55 cultural heritage sites, expands electricity market

Published

2 years ago

March 18, 2025

Abia cultural heritage sites, Abia electricity market

Abia State unveils 55 cultural heritage sites and plans to expand its electricity market after Governor Otti signs new power bill into law

The Abia State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy has unveiled a list of 55 unique and viable cultural heritage sites spread across the state.

This announcement, made after Governor Alex Otti signed the Abia State Electricity bill into law on Monday, marks a significant step towards preserving the state’s rich history while boosting tourism potential.

During an Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Otti, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, revealed the notable heritage sites, which include historically significant locations like the Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Bende Local Government Area, and the Ibom Water Falls in Arochukwu.

Other highlights include Mazi Okoroji’s Compound in Arochukwu and the Itubo Olokoro Magistrate Court in Ikwuano, where participants in the famous Aba Women Riot of 1929 were tried.

Kanu noted that these sites would soon be activated and preserved to reflect their historical importance and tourism potential. “These sites will, in due course, be activated and preserved for their historical significance and tourism potential,” Kanu stated, underscoring the state’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

In addition to the identification of cultural sites, the Abia State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, plans to revitalise the National War Museum and the Ojukwu Bunker, transforming these locations into world-class tourism destinations. This is part of a broader effort to promote tourism and preserve Abia’s historical legacy.

The signing of the Abia State Electricity bill also signifies a major milestone for the state’s power sector. Governor Otti expressed the state’s commitment to improving its electricity infrastructure, particularly by establishing the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency.

This will help extend electricity access to the remaining eight local government areas of the state, building on the success of the Aba Ring-fence with Geometric Power, which already covers nine LGAs.

Governor Otti commented, “This is a landmark document that will stand the test of time. It is designed to protect the investments of anyone interested in Abia’s power sector. It also includes provisions for renewable energy.”

The state is also focused on extending the Umuahia Ring-fence to cover additional areas, a key part of the governor’s plan to ensure comprehensive power coverage.

Furthermore, Otti expressed optimism that Abia’s power sector could eventually generate sufficient electricity not only for the state but also to support other parts of the South-East, creating additional revenue streams for the region.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

4 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”