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.

The Isale Eko Descendants Union has expressed satisfaction with a Lagos court ruling ordering the producers of ‘Gangs of Lagos’ to apologise for misrepresenting the Eyo masquerade

The Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU) has welcomed the recent court ruling that mandates the producers of the controversial film *Gangs of Lagos* to issue an apology for misrepresenting the Eyo masquerade.

Also read: Court rules in favour of Isale-Eko community on intellectual property rights over “Gangs of Lagos” film

The Lagos High Court approved a settlement between the IDU and the movie’s producers, marking a significant victory for the union and a protection of indigenous cultural heritage.

Directed by Jade Osiberu and produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju, *Gangs of Lagos* was released on April 7, 2023, on Amazon Prime Video. The film quickly garnered backlash for its portrayal of Isale Eko, depicting it as a den of criminals and the Eyo masquerade as a gang of murderers.

The portrayal was seen as a defamatory attack on the cultural heritage and reputation of the Isale Eko people, leading the union to take legal action.

In the lawsuit, the IDU sought N10bn in damages against both the producers of the film and Amazon. The court ruling, delivered on February 20, 2025, confirmed that the parties had agreed to an amicable settlement.

Justice Idowu Alakija, presiding over the case, ordered that the 3rd to 11th respondents, including the film’s producers, issue a joint letter acknowledging the film’s wrongful portrayal of the Eyo masquerade and Isale Eko’s traditions.

The apology, according to the ruling, must recognise the cultural significance of the Eyo masquerade and the peaceful nature of Isale Eko’s people, offering an unreserved apology to the IDU.

Additionally, Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited, listed as the 12th respondent, was ordered to issue a formal apology recognising the same points on its official letterhead.

This court ruling effectively requires both the filmmakers and Amazon to publicly admit their error in how the film depicted the community and its cultural heritage.

The Isale Eko Descendants Union expressed satisfaction with the judgment, viewing it as a crucial step in safeguarding Nigeria’s indigenous cultures.

“We feel vindicated by this judgment and thank the court system and the Lagos State Attorney General’s office for their role in resolving this dispute,” said Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), Chairman of the IDU, in a statement on Wednesday.

However, Kazeem also called on the national and state film censors to be more diligent in reviewing films that may misrepresent Nigerian cultures, urging greater scrutiny to prevent similar issues in the future.

The ruling is considered a significant milestone for the protection of cultural heritage in Nigeria, setting a precedent for how cultural misrepresentations in films should be addressed legally.

NGICE25 Expo in Berlin will boost Nigeria-Germany relations, showcasing cultural heritage and promoting foreign investments in Nigeria

The Nigerian German Investment and Cultural Expo (NGICE25) is set to become a key platform for enhancing cultural exchange and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Germany.

Also read: Omoge Asa 2025: Cultural pageant returns to celebrate yoruba heritage

The 2025 edition of the expo will take place in Berlin, Germany, and will focus on promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to the country.

Dr. Mike Okiro, the retired Inspector General of Police and Chairman of the NGICE Organising Committee, shared these details during a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, in Abuja.

Okiro briefed the Minister on the committee’s preparations for the expo, emphasising the need for government support to ensure its success.

The NGICE25 Expo is being organised by the Salute Nigeria Initiative in partnership with various government agencies and private organisations.

It aims to showcase Nigeria’s vast cultural diversity through music, art, and other creative expressions, while also highlighting the country’s investment opportunities to German investors. Okiro stated that the event would further strengthen the economic ties between the two nations.

The expo’s focus on attracting FDI aligns with the goal of fostering economic growth and development in Nigeria. It will also offer an opportunity for Nigerian businesses to form partnerships with German and European industry leaders. Okiro expressed optimism that the event would make a significant impact on Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape.

Responding, Minister Musawa praised the committee’s efforts in promoting Nigerian culture globally, reiterating the federal government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at advancing cultural heritage and tourism development. She assured the committee of the government’s backing in ensuring that NGICE25 is a success.

As Nigeria and Germany continue to strengthen their diplomatic and economic relationship, NGICE25 is poised to play a pivotal role in unlocking new opportunities for collaboration and investment, while also showcasing the country’s rich cultural tapestry to a global audience.