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BURNING ISSUE

Governor Otti Sets To Flag Off Construction Of Abia Airport And Retrofitting Of 20 Smart Schools In Focus

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2 years ago

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Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti will on Tuesday next week in company of the Minister of Aviation ,Festus Keyamo flag off the Abia airport project located at Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North LGA

The Commissioner for Information,
Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this while briefing the press on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

According to the Commissioner, at the outset, airport was not a priority project of the state government but when the federal government decided to build an airstrip in Abia State, the Governor decided to partner the Federal government to convert the airstrip to a full airport project through his forward thinking disposition and vision.

“This unique partnership will lead to the construction of the requisite runways by the state government that would land bigger aircrafts when finished.” Prince Kanu stated.

He said that the major stakeholders are on board to ensure the success of the project.

Prince Kanu announced that the Governor also would present the 2025 Abia State Budget Estimate to the State House of Assembly.

He said that the budget presentation is in keeping with the state government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainable development, adding that the event promises to be a momentous one that would attract various stakeholders both in political and economic circles of the state.

Prince Kanu disclosed that the Governor has approved the establishment of 20 smart schools across the 17 LGAs of the state as a further step towards the revamping of the education system in the state, adding that the retrofitting of schools in the state would still continue.

According to him, the new law mandating compulsory school attendance for children would come into effect on January 1, 2024, adding that under this law, it will be an offence for any parent or guardian in the state to fail to send their children or wards to school.

He said that the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi has been directed to activate necessary measures to enforce compliance.

The Information boss disclosed that the new COVID 19 variant ,XEC is not in the state while Abia has been declared free from diphtheria, Mpox and Cholera by the Centre for Disease Control.

Price Kanu reiterated that the recently renovated Emergency Operation Center, funded by CARITAS and located at the Abia State Insurance building has been handed over to the Ministry of Health, noting that the facility would serve as a central hub for coordinating responses to public health emergencies.

On road Infrastructure, the Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Works has completed three new road projects in Aba, including the Cemetery Road Phase 2, Umule Road, and Umuocham Road which are slated for commissioning soon.

He said that the projects would bring the total number of commissioned roads under Governor Otti’s administration to 20 in addition to the 147 rehabilitated roads, completed through direct labour, in Aba, Umuahia and other parts of the state.

Prince Kanu assured residents and visitors of adequate security during this yuletide, adding that preparations are underway to provide a safe and joyous yuletide for all.

Contributing, the commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi said the smart schools would begin with secondary schools, saying that existing schools would be retrofitted for the purpose and teachers’ skills upgraded.

Comprehensive list of projects in the state on direct labour.
1. ROAD REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS (MINISTRY WORK DIRECT LABOUR UNITS)

A. COMPLETED PROJECTS

1. Repair & Maintenance Work at Aba Road, Umuahia.
2. Repair & Maintenance Work on Otuka Road, Umuahia.
3. Palliative Work at Olokoro Road, Umuahia.
4. Repair & Maintenance Work on Ikot-Ekpene Road, Umuahia (Phase 1)
5. Repair & Maintenance Work at Lagos Street, Umuahia.
6. Repair & Maintenance Work from Police check point to International Conference Center (Ogurube Layout)
7. Repair & Maintenance Work within Commissioners Quarters Internal Roads.
8. Repair & Maintenance Work at Road 2 Low-cost Housing Estate, Umuahia.
9. Repair & Maintenance Work at Umuahia – Uzuakoli Road, Umuahia (Ossah Road to Ubani 2nd Gate)
10. Palliative Work on Umuahia-Uzuakoli Road. (from Trade More/Ubani 2nd Gate to Uzuakoli)
11. Repair & Maintenance Work at Niger Road, Umuahia.
12. Rehabilitation of Isieketa Market Road (Junction).
13. Repair & Maintenance Work at Enugu Road , Umuahia.
14. Repair & Maintenance Work at Orpet — World Bank Housing Estate — Agbama Roads, Umuahia.
15. Maintenance & Repair of Bata to Salad Market Junction, Aba.
16. Maintenance, Repair and Asphalt overlay of Jubilee Road, Aba.
17. Maintenance, Repair and Asphalt overlay of Queen’s street Aba.
18. Drain desilting of Azikiwe Road (LHS), Jubilee Road, Hospital Road, St. Michaels Road, Pound Road, Park Road, Ngwa Road, Azikiwe by Mosque to School Road.
19. Emergency repair of Amuvi–Amakohia Road, Arochukwu LG
20. Maintenance, Repair and Asphalt overlay of Part of Ehi Road, Aba.
21. Drain desilting of Osusu Road, umuocham Road to Ukwu Apu.
22. Emergency Repair of Opobo Junction — Azumini — Obehie Road.
23. Repair & Maintenance Work at World Bank Housing Estate Internal Road (Road O).
24. Repair & Maintenance Work at Uwalaka Street, Umuahia.
25. Maintenance of BCA Road (From BCA Junction to New Secretariat), Umuahia.
26. Repair & Maintenance of Road to New Government House.
27. Repair & Maintenance Work along Old Umuahia — Ubakala Road.
28. Repair & Maintenance Work at Ntigha Mbawsi Road (phase 1).
29. Repair & maintenance Work at Ntigha — Mbawsi — Nvosi Road (Phase 2).
30. Maintenance of Finbarrs Road, Umuahia (phase 1).
31. Maintenance & Repair of NNPC __ Nkwoegwu Road and spurs.
32. Maintenance & Repair Work at World Bank Housing Estate Internal Roads (Road C).
33. Repair & Maintenance Work at Uzuakoli Road, Umuahia (From Cooperative to Uwalaka Street).
34. Repair & Maintenance Work at Asaba Street, Umuahia.
35. Repair & Maintenance Work at Amuzukwu, Umuahia.
36. Repair & Maintenance Work at Ntigha — Ahia Orie (phase 1).
37. Maintenance and Repair of Cottage Hospital Road, Aba.
38. Maintenance of Old Umuahia —- ubakala Road.
39. Maintenance of Olokoro Road from Mboli, Aba Road to Holy Ghost College.
40. Maintenance of Ohobo Road to Uchenna Junction by Aba Road, Umuahia.
41. Maintenance & Repair of Ogbor-hill Bridge to Opobo Road junction, Aba.
42. Clearing of Sand Refuse Traps and Repair of Bridge Abutment Washout at Okpu Umuobo Water-Side, Aba.
43. Maintenance of library Avenue (Bank Road), Umuahia.
44. Maintenance of Amuvi -Nkwunabo Road in Arochukwu LGA.
45. Maintenance work at St. Michaels Road, Aba.
46. Maintenance work at York Street to Azikiwe Road, Aba.
47. Maintenance Work at Mosque Street to Park Road, Aba .
48. Maintenance of Finbarrs Road, Umuahia (Phase 2).
49. Repair & maintenance Work along Orpet- Umuafai, Umuahia-Lodu Road, Umuahia.
50. Maintenance of Onyenweaku Street, Aba.
51. Repair & Maintenance Work at FMC, Umuahia (Road leading to Emergency Ward)
52. Link up East Road to Ngwa Road, Aba.
53. Maintenance Work at Express Tower, Umuahia.
54. Repair & maintenance Work at Macualay Street, Umuahia.
55. Repair & maintenance of Government House internal Roads.
56. Repair & Maintenance of Azikiwe/Aba Road to BCA/Ikot Ekpene Road.
57. Repair & Maintenance of Micheal Okpara Auditorium and Ministry of Finance premises.
58. Drain and Tunnel desilting at Umuocham and Aba Owerri Road.
59. Repair & Maintenance of Ama Ogbonna, Mosque by Clifford, School Road by Mosque, Kamalu, Constitution Crescent.
60. Repair & Maintenance Work at New Road (from sons of Mary to stanpol junction by Aba Road, Umuahia).
61. Maintenance of Okigwe Road (from Cooperative to Uwalaka), Umuahia.
62. Reconstruction of 5 Internal Roads in Ehimiri Housing Estate (Ibe Nwachukwu Street, Ukpo Avenue, Hon. Matthew ibe street, Decond gate and Chizy Iboko Drive.
63. Reconstruction of Sir Nwogu Street, Ehimiri Housing Estate.
64. Maintenance of professor Umezurike Street, Arochukwu.
65. Repair & Maintenance Work at School Road, Umuahia.
66. Maintenance of Jumbo Offor Lane, Arochukwu.
67. Repair of Leru-Ngodo Road, Umunneochi (Phase 1)
68. Desilting of Immaculate Avenue Tunnels, Aba.
69. Asphalt overlay of Bata — Railway Crossing, Aba.
70. Bata — Brewery Road repairs (up to Binder course)
71. Repair of Leru-Ngodo Road, Umunneochi ( phases 2).
72. Repair of Eketa —Obikabia Aba Road.
73. Repair of Leru-Ngodo Umunneochi road Phase 3 up to LGA HQ Nkwoagu.
74. Maintenance of ShopRite Road, Umuahia.
75. Maintenance of Bende — Itumbuzo Road, Bende LGA.
76. Rehabilitation of factory Road, Umuahia and Spur. The Spur is the Road to Public Utilities Gate and Railway Quarters.
77. Repair of Afara Road behind Golden Guinea Breweries, Umuahia.
78. Repair of Law Anosike Road beside Golden Guinea Breweries, Umuahia.
79. Maintenance of factory Road Extension through Isiama Afara to Afara Technical College Gate, Umuahia.
80. Direct Labour Reconstruction of Old Court Road, Aba.
81. Asphalt Overlay of Breweries Road Phase 1 from NIPOST to Breweries Gate.
82. Direct labour Maintenance of Okpara Avenue with spurs.
83. Repair of Eze Desmond Oguguo Road, Umuahia (Between Okpara Avenue and Factory Road at Wiss Castle)
84. Repsir of Okpara Avenue extension between Okpara Avenue and Factory Road by ABSIIDP
85. Repair of Okpara Road Extension behind Ojukwu Bunker to Isiama Afara.
86. Repair of Eze I. I. Kanu Avenue, Isiama Afara, Umuahia.
87. Repair & Maintenance of Isiama Afara Ring Road, Ukwu Ugba and Lux Mundi University.
88. Repair/Maintenance of Nkata Ibeku Road.
89. Construction/repair of drainages/desilting of drains at Itumbuzo Road, Bende LGA.
90. Repair & Maintenance of Isolated Potholes along BCA-Azikiwe and winners/Ehimiri Roads.
91. Repair & Maintenance Work at Ehimiri Housing Estate Ring road, Umuahia.
92. Repair & Maintenance of Otu-Uka Road/ Ochendo Bypass.
93. Repair & Maintenance of Amachara Express Road.
94. Emergency repairs of Ugwunagbo LGA mother and child Hospital Road.
95. Repair of Umuakakah, Nkata Road.
96. Repair of failed sections along Aba Road.
97. Repair of Crowther Street, Umuahia.
98. Repair of Item Street, Umuahia.
99. Repair of Ohafia Street, Umuahia.
100. Repair of Abiriba street,
Umuahia.
101. Repair of Cameroun Street Umuahia .
102. Repair & Maintenance of Bonny Street, Umuahia.
103. Repair of isolated potholes along Ikot-Ekpene Junction, BCA Road.
104. Maintenance of Warri Street, Umuahia.
105. Asphalt Overlay of some failed portions of Lagos Street, Umuahia.
106. Maintenance of Secretariat Road Umuahia from Jovit Eatery to Abia Newspaper.
107. Maintenance of Bende Road (From Umuahia to Bende LGA).
108. Maintenance of Abam street, Umuahia.
109. Maintenance of Kaduna Street, Umuahia.
110. Maintenance of Okwulehie Street, Umuahia.
111. Maintenance of Olokoro Street, Umuahia.
112. Maintenance of Eket Street, Umuahia.
113. Maintenance of Nkwerre Street, Umuahia.
114. Maintenance of Warri Street, Umuahia Phase 2.
115. Repair & Maintenance of Umuocham Road (Ukwu Apu – PH Express Way).
116. Desilting of Umunkpeyi Mbawsi Road Drainage
117. Maintenance of Owerri Road, Umuahia.
118. Construction of Drains and Drainage outfalls along Dozie Way/Lodu.
119. Repair & Maintenance of Amuzukwu —Mbom Umueze Road phase 1.
120. Construction and Maintenance of Drainage system at Ehimiri Housing Estate spur to Ahiaeke —Okwuta Road, Umuahia.
121. Maintenance Work along Agbama Housing Estate Road (1st Transformer to F – Line).
122. Maintenance of Trinity Road, Afara From Uchenna bus stop to Afara Technical College Gate.
123. Drainage Works and Asphalting along Adaelu Road from Mopol Base to Geometric Power Gate.
124. Maintenance & Repair of Afara Orieogwu to Isi court.
125. Repair & Maintenance of Ekwuruke street.
126. Repair of Isolated Potholes along Aba Road, Umuahia.(From Abia Tower to Enugu/pH express) —Phase 3.
127. Repair & Maintenance of Abriba street, Umuahia. Phase 2.
128. Repair of Awolowo Street, Umuahia.
129. Repair of Aba North LG and RRS Roads & compound.
130. Remedial Repairs of Opobo Junction to Obehie Road.
131. Maintenance & Repair of Washout at Amaeke Abam, Arochukwu LGA.
132. Rigid pavement Treatment of Railway Crossing along Aba Road/Old Umuahia.
133. Reconstruction of Late HRM. Eze Ezo Ukandu Ring Road, Isuikwuato LGA.
134. Repair of Failed Portions of Nkwoagu -Amuda Isuochi Road, Umunneochi LGA.
135. Maintenance of Trinity College Road, Isiama Afara to Factory Road Extension.
136. Repair of Potholes at Commissioners quarters, New Government House.
137. Expansion of Bata Round about.
138. Maintenance of Nkwerre Street phase 2 (from Umuwaya to Niger Street) Umuahia.
139. Reconstruction of Dozieway Road Umuahia with reconstruction of Drains, Culverts and Median as well Tree planting and Installation of Solar Powered Streetlights.
140. Reconstruction of Obiora Road Aba.
141. Maintenance of Osisioma flyover
142. Maintenance of Dozieway Junction and spurs

B. ONGOING PROJECTS

1. Rehabilitation of Ndoki Road in Aba.
2. Repair & Maintenance work at Old Goods Shed Road, Umuahia.
3. Maintenance of Calabar Road and it’s Spur.
4. Repair of potholes and maintenance of Failed portions/ Drainage at Olokoro Road (Holy Ghost College —Ahiaukwu ).
5. Repairing of potholes along Isi Court – Madonna College of Health Tech to Ahiaukwu Olokoro.
6. Rehabilitation of Eketa Market to Obikabia Road, Isialangwa North axis.
7. Repair & Maintenance of Amuzukwu – Mbom Umueze Road phase 2.
8. Maintenance of Uburu – Ihechiowa Road, Arochukwu LGA.
9. Repair of Uwalaka/ ibeku Road.
10. Repair on brewery Road Extension
11. Repair of some Failed sections along Okigwe Road and Spur.
12. Repair and construction of Ugwu Court Ring Road, Abriba
13. Reconstruction of IBB – Ahiaeke Road, Umuahia.
14. Construction of ogbunammiri Drive at Ehimiri Extension.
15. Construction of St. Michaels Government Layout Drive at Ehimiri Extension.
16. Reconstruction/Maintenance of Abia state New Secretariat Road Network, (Ogurube Layout).
17. Paving of Abia State Civil Service Commission Premises.
18. Installation of reinforced concrete slabs over Open Manholes and drains across Umuahia.
19. Direct labour Maintenance and Asphalt overlay of Umuocham Road.
20. Direct labour repairs and Asphalt overlay of Umule Road.
21. Rehabilitation/construction of Rufus Obi Road, Umuokogbuo, Isuikwuato LGA.
22. Construction of Drains and Drainage outfalls along Rufus Obi Road, Umuokogbuo, Isuikwuato LGA.
23. Maintenance & Repair of Igbere Road (From Igbere junction to Onu round about igbere) Bende LGA.
24. Maintenance of Ugwueke Road (From Alayi to Ndiagbo II) Bende LGA.
25. Construction of internal Roads within NYSC Camp Igbere, Bende LGA.
26. Maintenance Work at Hospital Road, Amaekpu/Okagwe, Ohafia.
27. Repair of potholes, Maintenance of Failed portions with concrete and construction of 2 No Catchment pit on Enugu– Ukwu Road by Health center Road in World Bank Housing Estate, Umuahia.
28. Repairing of potholes/ Failed portions, repair of collapsed Drain Walls and construction of 1 No Catchment pit on health center Road in World Bank Housing Estate, Umuahia.
29. Rehabilitation of Tenant Road, Asa to Eziukwu.
30. Rehabilitation of Clifford Road, Asa to Railway.
31. Rehabilitation of School Road, Asa to Railway.
32. Maintenance of winners Way.
33. Repair of Failed portions of Leru flyover/ Tunnel junction to Ngodo Isuochi Road, Umunneochi LGA.
34. Rehabilitation of 112m failed sections and Maintenance of isolated potholes in Umuasua Road in Isuikwuato LGA.
35. Repair of Failed spots along Umuahia –Bende Road up to Bende local government headquarters.

2. CONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS

A. COMPLETED PROJECTS

1. Shalom Road, Aba completed with streetlights.
2. Cemetery market Road phase 1, Aba complete with streetlights .
3. Emelogu street, Aba. Complete with streetlights.
4. Old express/MCC Road, Aba.
5. Umuimo road, Aba.
6. Udeagbala Road Aba.
7. Omoba Road, Aba
8. Jubilee road Aba.
9. Queen’s street Aba.
10. Reconstruction of Old A3 at Obehie. Ukwa West LGA. — ASOPADEC.
11. Kent/Ehi Road, Aba.
12. University Road, Aba.
13. College Road, Aba.
14. Green avenue, Aba.
15. Umuahia – ossah road, Umuahia.
16. Abak Road Aba
17. Cemetery Road phase 2

B. ONGOING PROJECTS.

1. Port Harcourt Road Aba.
2. People’s Road Aba.
3. Omuma Road.
4. Umuahia – Uzuakoli – Ohafia Road section 1.
5. Umuahia — Uzuakoli — Ohafia Road section 2.
6. Umuahia – Uzuakoli – Ohafia Road section 3.
7. Umuezike –Ofeme Nkpa Road.
8. Ahaba ikwuano/ ohuhu ikeala Nsulu.
9. Amuvi _Ndi Okereke – Ozu Abam
10. Abayi –Ariaria –Ahiaba – Oberete – Umuiku – Eberi – Omuma Road.
11. Dualization of Umuikaa Junction to Umuene.
12. Udeagbala Drainage Extension.
13. Osisioma junction – Ekeakpara Road.
14. Nunya – Eluama Road, Isuikwuato
15. Owerrinta Bridge – Umuikaa junction
16. Ohanku Road
17. Arochukwu – Ohafia Road
18. Onu-Imo – Abia Tower of Peace Road Dualization
19. Reconstruction of Umuopara Ring Road.

C. SPECIAL PROJECT

1. Port Harcourt – Aba Section of the Port Harcourt –Enugu Express way

2. Design of Aba – Owerri Road, Aba is Ongoing

(C)Source: Abia State Ministry of Works.

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BURNING ISSUE

FG, UNDP, TETFUND And Governor Otti Launch Manu-Tech UniPod, Says Innovation Will Power Abia’s Next Industrial Revolution

Published

3 days ago

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July 7, 2026

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A landmark joint venture project of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and the Abia State Government has been formally launched in the state.

This Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Technology University Innovation Pod (Manu-Tech UniPod) was officially launched  at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf OlaTunji Alausa said the establishment of the Manu-Tech UniPod reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning higher education as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation, and job creation.

Describing it as a “strategic investment in Nigeria’s future,” the Vice President noted that Universities must evolve beyond traditional teaching and research to become hubs for enterprise development, technology transfer, and industrial competitiveness.

In his keynote address titled “Science Meets Enterprise,” Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, said the siting of the UniPod in Abia speaks to the institutional faith the UNDP and Federal Government have in the State’s potential as an engine of growth and economic prosperity in the region.

He noted that, the faith and efforts the partners have in Abia is yielding tangible results, adding that the event is a demonstration of that, and appreciated the siting of the project in Abia.

“The siting of the Manu-Tech UniPod in Abia speaks eloquently to the institutional faith UNDP and the Federal Government of Nigeria have reposed in our dear State and the potential it holds as an engine of growth and economic prosperity in the region.

The Governor who disclosed that his government supported the UniPod project because it aligns perfectly with the economic development outline of his administration, noted that,

“With the launch of the UniPod, a new interest in qualitative research will develop as scientists, students and everyone connected to the University ecosystem begin to look beyond random and hurried publication of academic papers just to score points for the next promotion cycle.

“The expectation is that research efforts henceforth will be directed at answering questions with practical, everyday applications” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor thanked all the stakeholders and partners including the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the UNDP for their efforts and willpower that gave birth to the transformational project.

“Over the last 3 years, we have found them to be reliable partners which explains our expanding body of joint ventures projects targeting entrepreneurship development, job creation and similar initiatives aimed at opening new layers of economic and social opportunities for our women and young people in particular,” Gov. Otti stated.

The UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, described the launch as part of a broader national innovation ecosystem being developed across Nigeria through the UniPod initiative.

She explained that the programme aims to connect education, research, innovation, enterprise, and manufacturing, enabling Universities to become drivers of economic growth and global competitiveness.

Ms. Attafuah commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the Abia State Government for their commitment to innovation-driven development. She particularly extolled Governor Alex Otti for his vision of transforming Abia into Nigeria’s leading hub for manufacturing and industrial innovation.

Earlier in her speech, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Ursala Akanwa, described the commissioning as a defining moment in the University’s history.

She said the project represents the fulfilment of the institution’s mandate to deploy science, technology, and innovation in advancing agricultural development, manufacturing, and enterprise.

Prof. Akanwa expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Education, UNDP, TETFund, and the Abia State Government for choosing MOUAU to host Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Tech UniPod.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders. The Manu-Tech UniPod is expected to provide students, researchers, and entrepreneurs with access to advanced manufacturing equipment, prototyping facilities, and industry mentorship to convert research ideas into market-ready products.

 

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BURNING ISSUE

Abduction Of Two Abia School Children Heightens Security Concerns

Published

1 week ago

on

July 1, 2026

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… Government Begins Okada Ban Enforcement

Alex Otti’s administration intensifies rescue efforts, rolls out tougher transport regulations and unveils public complaint system to strengthen safety across the state.
The abduction of two school children by a suspected child trafficker in Umuosu Nsulu has cast fresh attention on public safety in Abia State, as the state government officially commenced enforcement of restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in designated parts of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia to curb insecurity and protect lives.

Speaking at a press briefing on following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti at Government House, Umuahia.The Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu, said the enforcement marks another decisive step in the administration’s comprehensive strategy to improve security and public order across the state.

Providing an update on the disturbing incident involving the missing pupils, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd.), disclosed that the government has activated a coordinated rescue operation involving security agencies within and outside Abia State.

According to Ubah, five pupils accepted a free ride from an unidentified tricycle operator shortly after school at Umuosu Nsulu. The suspect allegedly stopped on the way and sent three of the children to buy fuel before driving off with the remaining two.

Describing the incident as a classic case of child trafficking, Ubah said security agencies initially pursued intelligence that led operatives to Ngor-Okpala in Imo State, but the information turned out to be false.

He added that the Commissioner of Police has established collaboration with neighbouring state commands as investigations intensify.
“This is a matter of grave concern to every parent and to the government. We are deploying every available resource to ensure the children are found safely and those responsible are brought to justice,” he assured.

Against the backdrop of growing security concerns, Prince Kanu announced the commencement of enforcement of restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in designated areas of the state.
He recalled that the exercise was originally scheduled to begin on June 22 but was postponed by one week to June 29 following Governor Alex Otti’s directive, allowing operators additional time to regularise their operations and comply with the new regulatory framework.

“The government understands that thousands of hardworking citizens depend on commercial motorcycles for their daily livelihood. However, the safety and security of the people must always remain paramount,” the Commissioner said.

He stressed that no economic or political consideration can outweigh the value of human life, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to ensuring that residents can live, work and move freely in a secure environment.
Prince Kanu announced that violators of the restriction would pay a ₦20,000 penalty, while impounded motorcycles would only be released after owners satisfy all statutory registration, documentation and verification requirements.

He clarified that privately owned motorcycles that are duly registered in Abia State remain exempted from the restriction but are prohibited from carrying passengers. Commercial operators permitted to operate within approved jurisdictions, he added, must wear officially approved Abia State Government identification vests.

The Commissioner further disclosed that all motorcycles, tricycles and commercial vehicles operating in the state must be properly registered and documented in line with government regulations.
To reinforce transparency during enforcement, the government has established a toll-free public complaints system through which residents can report cases of misconduct, extortion, abuse or any other infractions involving security personnel and members of the Abia State Harmonized Task Force.

Residents can access the toll-free lines on 0800000232, 08001235555 and 08002225242, while the Abia State Harmonized Task Force can be reached on 08067955559, 08050725566 and 09122223825.
Prince Kanu appealed to transport operators, community leaders and residents to cooperate with the authorities, noting that the policy is designed to protect lives, preserve public peace and create a safer environment for all.

The Commissioner also highlighted ongoing infrastructure development across the state, revealing that the Ministry of Works executed direct labour projects at 14 locations between June 16 and June 29, completing five road projects and adding another to its maintenance programme.
Among the completed projects are the 1.19-kilometre Obikabia–Umueleke Road (Phase One) in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, the 550-metre Uzoma–Ohokobe–Afara-Ohokobe Road to Polycon Junction off Aba Road, Chief Nkoro Street to Udeagbala Road in Aba, rainy season maintenance works on Ojari Road in Arochukwu, and desilting works along Faulks Road in Aba.

He also announced the commencement of the Green Avenue Square project in Aba and disclosed that 24 additional road projects are currently under construction across the state, with contractors making significant progress.
“The state government remains resolute in delivering quality infrastructure while strengthening security and protecting the welfare of every resident,” Prince Kanu stated.

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BURNING ISSUE

World  Menstrual Hygiene Day : Abia State Government Rallies Support For Girls, Calls For End To Stigma And Period  Poverty

Published

2 weeks ago

on

June 24, 2026

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The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting menstrual health, dignity, and equal opportunities for girls and women, calling on stakeholders to work collectively towards ending the stigma, myths, and barriers associated with menstruation.

Speaking at the 2026 World Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day celebration held in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, said menstrual health remains a critical issue that impacts education, public health, gender equality, and human dignity.


Addressing participants at the event, Dr. Aghukwa noted that although menstruation is a natural and healthy part of life, many girls and women still face significant challenges in accessing sanitary products, accurate menstrual health information, and adequate sanitation facilities.
According to her, such challenges often affect the confidence, health, education, and overall well-being of girls and women, making it imperative for governments and communities to take deliberate action.

The Commissioner stated that under the leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, the Abia State Government remains committed to creating an environment where every girl can thrive without discrimination or disadvantage because of her menstrual cycle.
“Menstrual health is not merely a women’s issue; it is a matter of human dignity, public health, education, and social justice,” she emphasized.

Dr. Aghukwa disclosed that the Ministry of Women Affairs has continued to champion policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of women and girls across the state. She noted that through partnerships with development agencies, civil society organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and community leaders, efforts are being intensified to expand access to menstrual hygiene education and essential sanitary products.
She encouraged young girls to embrace their womanhood with confidence and never feel ashamed of a natural biological process, urging them to seek accurate information, maintain proper hygiene practices, and freely ask questions whenever guidance is needed.


The Commissioner also appealed to parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to create safe and supportive environments where open discussions on menstrual health can thrive.
She stressed that breaking harmful misconceptions and cultural silence around menstruation is essential to empowering girls and enabling them to achieve their full potential.


“As we commemorate this important day, let us renew our commitment to ensuring that no girl misses school, loses confidence, or suffers indignity because of menstruation,” she said.
Dr. Aghukwa further called on all stakeholders to prioritize menstrual health and hygiene in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities, describing it as a shared responsibility that requires sustained advocacy and collective action.
She expressed appreciation to development partners, sponsors, organizations, and participants whose support continues to advance the cause of menstrual health awareness and gender inclusion in Abia State.


The World Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day celebration brought together government officials, students, teachers, healthcare professionals, civil society groups, and community leaders in a united effort to promote menstrual dignity and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to live, learn, and succeed without barriers.
The event ended with a renewed call for greater awareness, improved access to menstrual hygiene products, and stronger support systems for girls and women across Abia State.

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