Carved out of Imo State in 1990, Abia can be described as the tourism heart of the South East. It is blessed with amazing tourism sites, caves and relics of Nigeria’s distressing past – the Biafra war, slave trade and colonial history.
In addition, the people’s appreciation of culture is laudable as it has not been polluted despite the advent of civilization. The culture is celebrated through festivals, community gatherings and other traditional social events by its people famed for their ferociousness in battle.


Top Three Sites
The Long Juju Shrine of Arochukwu
The history of the Long Juju of Arochukwu evokes nostalgic feelings in tourists. The shrine has served different purposes at various times. Before its world-acclaim status, it served as a court for resolving conflicts among natives. Later, it became a key transatlantic slave trade route to ship slaves from Nigeria to Europe, America and other parts of the world.

The Long Juju Shrine of Arochukwu is on the tentative list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site and is located in Arochukwu which is 100 kilometres from Umuahia, the state capital.


The Azumini Blue River
This is a priced possession of the people of Azumini. The Blue River is a rare spectacle. The effect of relaxing by this unique river is one of satisfaction, appreciation and magnificence. It attract tourists from different parts of the world and is located in Umuahia Ibeku. It is a nice place to have an unforgettable honeymoon or picnic.


The National War Museum
If you want to learn about the Nigerian Civil war between 1967 and 1970, the National War Museum is the place to visit. It houses the artifacts collected from that trying period in the nation’s history and gives an awesome insight into how its people fought for their lives and survived. It was established in 1985.


Lodging
Abia spans an area of 6,320 km. This is a large expanse of land when compared with other states in the same region. With this size, comes the influx of business men who have established a vibrant hospitality industry. There are comfortable hotels that tourists can lodge in and snore away till dawn. These hotels which can be found on Jovago.com are Luxury City Royale, Merry Home Hotels, Binez Hotels Ltd, Shelton Hotels Ltd and Hotel De Laurel. These hotels are inexpensive.


Eating
From indigenous food to continental cuisines, there are restaurants where you can satisfy your taste buds. They include Madam Afro Restaurant, Jabba Inn, Lip licking, Linpet Restaurant and Restaurant Pafidel.


Shopping
This town is the main trade centre in Abia state. The popularity of Aba extends far beyond the state to other parts of the country. The parlance ‘made in Aba’ is closely associated with the city as tourists can buy locally made goods like shoes, bags and clothes from the markets scattered across around the state capital. It is interesting to know that the goods are affordable.
However, if you want to do classy and quality shopping, you can visit the Aba Mega Mall, Uzortex Shopping Centre, Galadima Shopping centre and Prince & Princess Shopping Plaza.



Fun fact
Aba is considered the home for made in Nigeria goods. Known as the unofficial production capital of Nigeria, its knack for imitating foreign made goods has made this city thrive for years. Thanks to the industrious nature of the people.
Have you visited Abia before?
What do you think of the state?
Please drop your opinion in the comment box.

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