I reckon every city or region has a landmark that puts it in the limelight. My state, Abia, is no exception. Standing right in the middle of the road, bold and impossible to pass without noticing it, is the Abịa Tower. If you’re entering Umuahia center or passing through the Port Harcourt-Enugu Expressway, you can’t miss it.
Built in 1991, this Gothic cathedral-like tower has been the unofficial welcome sign for Abia State for over 30 years. At the top, the slogan of the State: Abịa, God’s Own State, is boldly engraved, while the base has the names of the 17 LGAs of the State engraved around it.
The Abia Tower is more than just a landmark; it’s a hub. It sits at a point where you can get transport to different parts of Abia and beyond. It also links the state to other neighboring states and beyond. From there, you can catch rides to Umidike and Okigwe in the state. Ihitte-Uboma, Obowo, in Imo State, Enugu State, Rivers State, and other states across the bridge. Anyone traveling in or out usually has a reason to stop there.
I've always wanted to capture the tower, but when you’re on the move, you don’t get to do so. Lol. However, luck shone on me some weeks ago. We were heading to Umuahia North for a funeral, so we stopped at the tower to pick up someone. While we waited, I finally seized the opportunity to take some shots. Was so glad.
Have a look at this architectural masterpiece.
My challenge photo
Wrapping up, Abia Tower isn’t just concrete and steel. It’s a practical landmark, a transport node, and a marker for anyone coming into the state. You can’t travel through Umuahia without passing it, and you can’t talk about the state’s landmarks without mentioning it.
This post is for the Around The World Challenge. The challenge is open to everyone who loves photography. Come share interesting sites in your city with us. Read the challenge post for guidelines.
@bucipuci/around-the-world-challenge-27-tf3bd3
Author's Photos
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