The Abia State Government has announced plans to stage a landmark reenactment of the historic Aba Women’s Riot, featuring prominent Nollywood actresses of Abia extraction, as part of efforts to celebrate the state’s rich cultural heritage.

The initiative is being coordinated by the Office of the Wife of the Governor in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.

Speaking to journalists after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the event would honour the courageous women who championed the historic movement while also recognizing distinguished women from across the state.

Kanu further disclosed that Governor Otti has approved the development of the Ibom Waterfalls in Arochukwu Local Government Area into a tourism corridor. According to him, consultations with stakeholders have been successfully concluded, with host communities expressing strong support for the project.

He noted that the initiative is expected to boost tourism, create economic opportunities, and attract investment into the state.

The commissioner also revealed that efforts to secure UNESCO Creative City status for Aba are progressing steadily. He explained that Aba’s globally acclaimed reputation in fashion, leatherworks, and craftsmanship continues to strengthen its bid for inclusion in the prestigious network under the design category.

Reviewing the administration’s third anniversary activities, Kanu said the week-long celebration featured the commissioning of major projects in transportation, healthcare, and infrastructure, as well as the rollout of a ₦306 million empowerment programme for residents in seven local government areas.

Among the projects commissioned was the Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal in Umuahia, which he described as a significant milestone in the state’s transport modernization programme.

He noted that the terminal, alongside the Abia Green Shuttle Bus Service, has continued to attract commuters due to its affordability, safety, and efficiency. Since commercial operations began, the service has recorded 8,891 passengers, while nearly 197,000 residents benefited from the earlier free-ridership programme.

Kanu added that construction of a second central bus terminal in Aba is ongoing and will include bus shelters, junction upgrades, and electric vehicle charging stations.

He also disclosed that the state’s vehicle inspection centres in Aba and Umuahia are now fully operational, utilizing automated systems to identify mechanical and safety defects in vehicles.

On road infrastructure, the commissioner stated that 25 road projects were commissioned during the anniversary period, with 19 executed through direct labour and six by contractors. He said the administration has so far delivered more than 400 road projects covering over 800 kilometres, while an additional 82 roads spanning over 200 kilometres are expected to be completed in the coming months.

Kanu further highlighted achievements in the health sector, noting that several general hospitals, cottage hospitals, and primary healthcare centres were commissioned across the state.

He added that the first phase of the government’s empowerment programme distributed ₦306 million to beneficiaries in seven local government areas, with the remaining ten councils to benefit in subsequent phases.

As part of ongoing efforts to preserve the state’s history and boost tourism, the commissioner said Governor Otti has also approved the erection of monuments at strategic locations in Umuahia to showcase and protect Abia’s cultural heritage.