A Visit to the National War Museum Umuahia

This week I visited the National War Museum (NWM) in Umuahia. I will try in this short post to present some of my impressions about NWM.

NWM was opened to the public on January 5, 1985 by Major General Tunde Idiagbon. The sites where the museums currently stands was chosen by the Federal Government of Nigeria due to two well-preserved bunkers – the Ojukwu bunker and the Voice of Biafria (VOB) bunker. I was only privileged to visit the Voice of Biafria bunker.

VOB was used by the defunct Biafria to broadcast to the entire country from Umuahia, while it claimed to be broadcasting from Awka.

The Ojukwu bunker is currently situated at the house of Late Michael Okpara – who donated it to the Biafrian government. However, it is now a National museum under the administration of the National Museums and Monuments.

I have little to say about my impressions. I will only repeat those words of the English philosopher, Edmund Burke: “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.” 

Below are some of the armory of the defunct Biafria:

Mini Refinery produced by Biafrian Engineers

 

Plaque at entrance of the Museum

Nigerian Army Amoured Vehicle

Biafrian Army Amoured Vehicle – locally fabricated

Biafrian Army Amoured Vehicle – locally fabricated

Biafrian Army Amoured Vehicle – locally fabricated