Abia to host British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, approves Aba as innovation city

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

The Abia State Government said it will host the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Johnny Baxter, who will be on official visit to the state today and tomorrow.

The state government has also approved Aba as an innovation city and some historical sites in the state as national and state’s natural monuments which is part of ongoing efforts to preserve Abia’s rich history, promote tourism, and unlock new economic opportunities.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen, said Mr Baxter’s engagement will focus on the priority sectors of Power, Trade and Commerce, Transportation, Education, Digital Transformation, and governance.

Kanu stated that Mr. Baxter will also participate in the flag-off of the SPRIRET Initiative, a state-level policy, regulatory and institutional reform enabling digital transformation.

The commissioner revealed that the SPRIRET Initiative is a UK FCDO-funded programme aimed at promoting digital inclusion at no cost to the state. He added that the initiative builds on the Digital Access Programme, which trained over 1,500  Abia civil servants in 2024.

The information commissioner said the British Deputy High Commissioner would pay a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti and tour the Geometric Power Plant, Ariaria International Market in Aba, the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia, as well as the Solar Project and Ubakala Smart School Project. He said Mr Baxter would also engage with stakeholders in the  areas of security, politics, civil society, and the media.

Kanu added that the Deputy High Commissioner had met Governor Otti at the recent Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce Mini-Governor Series in Lagos, where he commended the governor’s sterling performance. He noted that Mr. Baxter’s visit would be the second by a top-ranking British Government official to Abia since August 2024, when the then British High Commissioner, Mr. Richard Montgomery, visited Governor Otti.

He disclosed that the state Ministry of Works has, through direct labour, embarked on the reconstruction of the 6.2-kilometre Amiyi-Obiloha Road in Isuikwuato Local Government Area; Okpurorie-Afaraukwu Road in Umuahia North Local Government Area; and the 1.2-kilometre Hon. P.C. Mba Road in Living Springs Estate, New Government Layout, Umuahia.

Meanwhile, Abia State Government has approved some historical sites in the state as State’s Monuments and State’s Natural Monuments as part of ongoing efforts to preserve Abia’s rich history, promote tourism, and unlock new economic opportunities.

The sites for state’s monuments include; the National War Museum Umuahia, Ojukwu Bunker Umuahia, Government College Umuahia, while the State’s Natural Monuments include Ibom Waterfall Arochukwu and the Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Bende LGA.

Kanu said the designation would strengthen the state government’s efforts to preserve its cultural and natural heritage while positioning the sites for wider international recognition.

“These sites have been elevated to heritage sites that enhance the state’s tourism potential. With this approval, they are primed to attract recognition as UNESCO Heritage Sites,” Prince Kanu stated.

Prince Kanu also announced that Aba has been designated a Creative and Innovative City, in recognition of its longstanding commercial, industrial and creative significance.

The commissioner disclosed that the retrofitting of the Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum had reached about 80 percent completion and was expected to be concluded before the end of year.

He said the projects, when completed, would enhance the preservation of the historical value of the sites, improve visitors’ experience, and further strengthen their tourism potential.