Connect with us

BURNING ISSUE

ON A HIGHER PLANE

Published

2 years ago

on

Protocols,

1. Leadership is about making the most of the regular and special opportunities that come our way to drive new possibilities. We made a commitment that under our watch; Abia will never let any promising opportunity slip by. Whether it is collaborating with multilateral partners, Federal Government and its agencies, sister states, business organisations and individuals who have something of value to offer us, we are constantly open to making the most of the opportunities we find because there lies the path to sustained progress.

2. This philosophy explains why we have expanded channels of engagements with the international development partners and effectively repositioned our State for first line considerations whenever there are programmes that we qualify for. Our readiness to take advantage of the opportunities that are inherent in these partnerships have multiplied our footprints in critical social and economic sectors, expanding access to health and education, especially for the most vulnerable in our communities.

3. The State recently won a grant of $400, 000 from such collaborations. The fund will be used to support our development initiatives in the primary healthcare sector. Through our partnership with the multilateral organisations, we have been able to support thousands of young Abia entrepreneurs with funds to start up or expand their existing businesses, amongst other benefits. Abia, I am glad to report, has become a model state on the strength of our transparency and commitment to stipulated guidelines in the management of the resources that flow to the State from our partners.

4. Just like we have always done, we jettisoned differences in political party affiliations to pursue opportunities that will support the social and economic transformation of the State in Abuja. The improved state of many federal roads in the state, support for our security commitments through the deployment of personnel and intelligence gathering operations and the expansion of development bridges in finance, education, health and other areas of interests are sufficient proofs that the welfare and long term development aspirations of the State count more for us than political considerations. I would like to use this auspicious occasion to specially thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his practical commitment to the rapid socioeconomic development of this part of the country. Mr President not only approved the initial plan to build an airstrip in the State, but he also magnanimously consented to our proposal to expand the scope of the project to become a full-fledged airport.

5. Today, we have gathered in Ubaha as one community united in love of fatherland to witness the historic flag off of the Abia Airport Project. I want to welcome in a very special way, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo, SAN, to our dear State for this great event. The Honourable Minister has proven to be a great friend of Ndi Abia by the level of commitment he put in to make today’s event feasible. I would like to invite us to join me in thanking the Honourable Minister for specially considering Abia as one of the benefiting states in the spread of the airstrips project and going beyond his regular routine to make this ground-breaking ceremony a reality. I am certain that with his commitment and the continuing support of Mr President, this Project will be completed on schedule and we shall return here in about 36 months or less to commission the airport and welcome the inaugural flight, with Mr President and the Minister on board.

6. I would like to also acknowledge the special contribution of the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, a proud son of the State, for his efforts and support to this Project, especially at the conception stages. He generously availed us his experience and technical expertise at no fee. Dr Meribole’s selfless service, models what we expect from our brothers and sisters occupying positions of influence in different establishments. While we will never encourage anyone to break rules, we expect that you will always use your good offices to support our development initiatives or attract new ones because this is part of your larger constituency.
We want to also specially thank the Chief of Airstaff, Air Marshall HB Abubakar, who is represented here by Air Vice Marshall Ilo for his consistent support and for approving an air force base to be located here at the airport. Our thanks also go to the Deputy Speaker, HOR Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and his colleagues who are here in person to witness this event. Our appreciation also goes to our Sister we are so proud of, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Productivity for being consistent with her support.

7. I have heard and read several comments castigating the choice of this Project with many, perhaps speaking from a point of limited information, dismissing the Abia Airport Project as a low priority initiative that should not happen now. May I respectfully respond to these critics by first acknowledging their right to hold and express an opinion. Let me also thank them for their interest in the development conversations around Abia. As I have consistently maintained, our government is very open to criticisms and we welcome interactions that are undertaken in pursuit of public interest, even when they are not very favourable to our preferences.

8. Nigeria is a democratic society and the advantage we have over those who dominated conversations like this in the mid-1980s till 1999 is two-fold. First, the freedom to disagree with those in authority, and the availability of multiple platforms to disseminate our thoughts. Even then, there is one important responsibility we often tend to ignore when we exercise the right to hold and share an opinion and that is the obligation to place facts above emotions. When we begin to incite mistrust and hatred in pursuit of a hidden political agenda, then the law enforcement agencies would be required as a matter of duty to be on the guard against possible breakdown of law and order because democracy itself can survive neither anarchy nor a siege of violence.

9. To those who remain stuck in the pocket-size vision of the old order, an airport project is clearly not an important consideration because one has to crawl before walking. In the New Abia, however, an airport is not just an important project for the long-term prosperity of the State, it is an integral component of our vision to open the State to the world. We are poised to turn Abia into a major destination hub that would welcome hundreds of thousands of unique visitors from different parts of the world every month. Let me also make the point that we are not just building an airport that would be tucked away in some obscure location. We are building an airport city with a lot of ancillary developments around it. The Nsulu games village is in this community. Other facilities including hotels will follow suit.

10. Our aspiration would be impaired without a dedicated airport to serve our most important urban destinations. Recall that I announced last week that we have reached an understanding with a major global hospitality brand to turn the long abandoned Enyimba Hotel into a 250-room 5-Star facility with a world class convention centre. The success of this investment would be threatened if it cannot be accessed seamlessly from the nearest airport. As I also announced recently, we have reached an understanding with an investment partner to drive the Abia medical city project. This will be flagged off within the first quarter of 2025. The full value of the medical city project, designed to drastically reduce medical tourism by providing access to first rate services domestically, can only be actualised by having a functional airport not far from the project location.

11. Our infrastructure restoration and expansion project in Aba is happening at great speed. We are already seeing the fruits in the quality of investments coming into the city as well as enquiries from multiple business interests hoping to take advantage of the bursts of fresh opportunities to create value for their shareholders. This airport will therefore serve as a new advantage to the appeal of Aba as an important destination in the West African sub-region.

12. Umuahia the State capital is also seeing a significant turnaround as we continue to remake the city into a thriving business and administrative centre. Beyond Aba and Umuahia, we have also set up the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) to fast track the transformation of Ohafia and other parts of the northern district of the State. The expectation is that GODA will evolve initiatives that private sector players can jump at to create new possibilities in the northern part of the state.

13. An airport in Abia, particularly at this location, will not only accelerate our urbanisation agenda beyond Aba and Umuahia, it will also send a clear signal to the world that we are open and prepared to rise to ‘a higher plane’ in the race for social and economic transformation of our homeland.

14. With the scope of our development agenda, the volume of investments we anticipate and the projected influx of high net-worth individuals to the State for businesses, conferences and events, or even for holidays, investing in an airport is certainly the right decision. It has to be noted that an airport is not just the preferred means of travel for the elites; it is a safer and more economical mode of transport for those who want to make every second count. It is also the fastest means to transport essential goods.

15. We found our dream becoming a reality when without our prompting, the Federal Government through the Office of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, selected Abia as one of the states where an airstrip would be sited as captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act. This Project therefore is happening at the instance of the Federal Government because it initiated and would fund it following the donation of land for that purpose by the State. However, because we are a government that is fiercely determined to making the most of every opportunity we find, we realised that this was actually an invitation to the State to have a full-fledged airport to serve its development aspirations.

16. This sense of awareness made us to request the Federal Government to give us the opportunity to partner with it to expand the original project by extending the runway which is essentially the difference between an airport and an airstrip. The logic is simple: if we can have an airstrip, why can’t we take advantage of the opportunity that has been offered us to get a full-fledged airport? Our being here today is proof that we are on track and as I always say, whatever we start, we shall complete successfully.

17. The initial design of this project will allow for a Type 4D runway of 2.8 kilometres with provision for further upgrade to Type 4E runway of 3.6 kilometre to accommodate bigger sizes of aircrafts in due course. Let me on this note thank the good people of Ubaha, Umuaala, Ikputu, Umuosu, Umuezeukwu, Umuode and Umuomaiyinta Nbawsi for their generosity and support for this Project. May I quickly inform you that we have started preparations for payment of compensation to the genuine landowners. We are a compassionate Administration so even when the law has vested ownership of land on the State Government, we will still go ahead to pay very reasonable compensation to those whose lands are used for projects that are geared towards the greater public good.

18. At any rate, the most important fact is that like the State Government, the landowners in these communities are also investors in opportunities. Having joined us in the faith that this would be a profitable investment, one that would create jobs for our children and opportunities for the local entrepreneurs, I can readily assure you today that you shall reap the full benefits of your investments in the fullness of time.

19. May I again assure you that this is our collective Project and we have a responsibility to work together to actualise it. We have activated a multi-level support structure to be coordinated from the Office of the Chief of Staff who is not only from this community, but is also an anointed man of God, to respond to your enquiries. The coordinating team shall be populated by senior officials of the Government, the Contractors and of course, representatives of the landowners. One thing you can take to the bank is that no one will be cheated.

20. Thank you for listening and may God bless you all.

Dr Alex C. Otti, OFR,
17/12/2024

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

BURNING ISSUE

Abia State Celebrates 35 Years With Project Commissioning, Healthcare Expansion, Technology -Driven  Services 

Published

1 week ago

on

August 12, 2026

By

As Abia State prepares to mark its 35th anniversary, the administration of Governor Alex Otti has unveiled a fresh package of interventions spanning healthcare, housing, infrastructure, human capital development and technology, reaffirming its resolve to mark the milestone with projects that deliver tangible benefits to residents rather than ceremonies alone.

The decisions were announced following the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Otti.This include the deployment of technology to track high-risk pregnancies, the expansion of functional Primary Healthcare Centres, recruitment of additional healthcare professionals, rehabilitation of housing estates and the development of a new pocket housing scheme in Umuahia.

The administration said the 35th anniversary would be used to commission completed projects and flag off new ones across the State, describing the approach as a deliberate departure from the traditional celebration of state anniversaries through ceremonies and awards.
Governor Otti’s administration maintained that the best way to celebrate Abia is by delivering projects that improve the lives of its people.

At the centre of the healthcare interventions is Cytrack, a locally developed digital application being piloted by the Ministry of Health to identify and monitor high-risk pregnancies across the State.
The technology is particularly designed to support teenage pregnancies, women without supervised antenatal care and expectant mothers at risk of delivering without skilled birth attendants.

j

Cytrack captures essential demographic and pregnancy information, including age and last menstrual period, enabling health officials to determine expected delivery dates, monitor antenatal appointments and maintain contact with pregnant women throughout pregnancy and delivery.
The application also sends reminders to pregnant women, while responsible adults in communities can help ensure that high-risk expectant mothers attend scheduled antenatal appointments.

The technology has already been used by health workers to monitor several teenage pregnancies and facilitate safe deliveries at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, providing a practical demonstration of how digital innovation can be deployed to address real healthcare challenges.

The State Government also announced that Abia has emerged as Nigeria’s number one state in healthcare affordability and among the top three states in healthcare quality, according to the latest Philips Consulting State Performance Index.
Abia was also reported as the only state to achieve top-three positions in 13 of 16 indicators of good governance based on citizens’ perception, reinforcing the administration’s claim of measurable progress across multiple sectors.

At the grassroots level, the first 50 functionalised Primary Healthcare Centres accounted for more than 20 per cent of the over 1.067 million outpatient visits recorded across the State between July 2025 and June 2026.
With three additional PHCs functionalised between July 27 and August 10, the number of functionalised Primary Healthcare Centres in Abia has now risen to 151.

Similarly, enrolment in the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme increased from 233,000 to 237,000 beneficiaries between July 27 and August 7, 2026.
The administration also commended the Abiriba Community Improvement Union, North America Chapter, for pledging to sponsor 1,000 indigent persons under the State Health Insurance Scheme, urging other communities and organisations to emulate the initiative.
The State recorded no outbreak of major public-health diseases during the period under review, including Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, diphtheria, cholera, mpox and yellow fever.

To strengthen the healthcare workforce, the State Civil Service Commission is commencing another round of recruitment of medical professionals.
The exercise follows the employment of 742 medical personnel by the Otti administration so far.
The new recruitment will focus on medical officers, dental officers and consultants, including full-time and part-time consultants, with the application portal scheduled to open on Monday night, August 10.

Beyond healthcare, the State Executive Council has directed the Ministry of Housing to sanitise and rehabilitate the World Bank Housing Estate at Abayi Umuocham, Aba, following concerns over the deteriorating condition of the estate.
The intervention will cover roads and other infrastructure, alongside remedial works aimed at restoring the estate and improving the living environment of residents.
An inspection of the estate revealed various forms of misuse and neglect, including street trading and farming along estate roads.


The government said the rehabilitation would include road improvements and street lighting, while activities contributing to the deterioration of the estate, particularly trading and farming along roads, would no longer be tolerated.

The Ministry of Housing will also collaborate with the Ministry of Works to undertake rainy-season maintenance works at Amaoba Housing Estate, Umuahia, pending the permanent reconstruction of the estate roads.
The State Government has equally provided a new transformer to alleviate electricity challenges confronting residents of the estate.

The proposed Pocket Housing Layout in Umuahia is also progressing, with the State planning to provide different categories of quality residential accommodation.
The scheme will comprise detached five-bedroom houses with boys’ quarters, semi-detached houses, and two- and three-bedroom blocks of flats.
Registration of intending subscribers will commence through an Expression of Interest process, followed by the opening of a dedicated payment portal.

The government said the scheme would operate on a transparent, first-come, first-served basis, with an off-plan payment structure requiring 30 per cent at the commencement of construction, 40 per cent around the midpoint and the remaining 30 per cent upon completion.
Contractors are expected to mobilise to site within the next week, with the government targeting completion within the next few months after flag-off.
The first occupants are expected to take possession of the houses by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

As Abia marks 35 years of state creation, the Otti administration said the anniversary would serve as a platform for commissioning completed projects and flagging off new ones across the State.
Rather than focusing primarily on celebrations, the government said the occasion would demonstrate the transformation taking place across Abia through investments in healthcare, housing, infrastructure, human capital development and technology-driven public services.
The administration said the emerging picture is that of a “New Abia” being built through practical interventions capable of delivering measurable value to the people.
The projects and reforms, it added, reflect Governor Otti’s determination to build a healthier, better-planned, more prosperous and more liveable Abia, while using the State’s 35th anniversary to demonstrate that development is best celebrated through tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.

Continue Reading

BURNING ISSUE

Tinubu, Obasanjo, Dame Patience Jonathan, Otti Lead National Tribute To Aguiyi-Ironsi At 60th Memorial Thanksgiving

Published

3 weeks ago

on

July 30, 2026

By

 

…Renew Pledge to Unity, Merit and Patriotism

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, led political, military, traditional and religious leaders in a solemn national tribute to Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, late Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, at the 60th Memorial Anniversary held at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Conference Centre and International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

The event drew dignitaries from across the country to honour the legacy of a leader described as a courageous patriot who made the ultimate sacrifice for Nigeria’s unity and stability.

President Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Rtd.

In his address, the President described Major-General Aguiyi-Ironsi as a patriot whose life was dedicated to the progress and unity of Nigeria, and who assumed leadership at a time of immense political uncertainty.

“Nigeria remains grateful for the invaluable sacrifices made by your distinguished son, husband, and father in the service of our fatherland.
General Aguiyi-Ironsi was an outstanding professional soldier whose military career was marked by disciplined courage, loyalty, and commitment to duty.
His assumption of leadership came at a time when Nigeria faced immense political uncertainty and national anxiety. Although his tenure was brief, he demonstrated a firm commitment to preserving national unity, restoring stability and maintaining the integrity of the Nigerian State,”_ Tinubu stated.

The President added that the values of patriotism, discipline, selfless service, integrity and national unity which Aguiyi-Ironsi exemplified “remain as relevant today as they were 60 years ago.”

General Musa also commended Governor Otti’s leadership
“His Excellency, our hardworking Governor, I want to say a very big thank you for all the good works you have been doing. You have set a standard of governance… without any noise, and things continue to change. We appreciate you, sir. I’m looking forward to coming to celebrate during your inauguration for the second term.”

In his address,the host Governor, Dr Alex Otti called for greater national cohesion and merit-based leadership, describing the late Head of State as a selfless leader whose sacrifice should continue to inspire generations.

“We came here to celebrate a man who gave his life for the rest of us. Personally, I believe we are better off as one country, connected and working together, than divided,” Gov. Otti declared.

He said Aguiyi-Ironsi’s willingness to lay down his life demonstrated uncommon patriotism and emphasized the need for Nigeria to remain one indivisible nation united by a common purpose.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to meritocracy, noting that appointments in Abia are based on competence, integrity and capacity rather than state of origin. He cited the appointment of an Edo State indigene as Abia Head of Service as proof.

Gov. Otti also paid tribute to Chief Obasanjo as a father and mentor, and to Dame Patience Jonathan, announcing that Abia will join in celebrating Chief Obasanjo’s 90th birthday on March 5, 2027.

In separate goodwill messages, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Chief of Army Staff ,General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd), and former First Lady Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan described the memorial as a fitting tribute to a distinguished patriot who paid the supreme price in active service.

They commended Governor Otti for supporting initiatives that promote national unity, peace and historical remembrance, and urged Nigerians to remain united and uphold the values for which the late military leader stood.


They maintained that honouring heroes like Aguiyi-Ironsi would inspire future generations to embrace selfless service and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity.

Presenting the citation, the late General’s daughter, Mrs. Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi, described her father as a true nationalist whose leadership was anchored on discipline, meritocracy, patriotism and the professionalisation of the Armed Forces.

She said the wreath-laying was “a solemn tribute to honour a life devoted to the service of Nigeria and to preserve the legacy of a leader who made the ultimate sacrifice for national unity.”

 

“This gathering is not intended for mere performance of ceremonial rites. Today, we do not assemble to reopen old debates nor to magnify historical divisions. This commemoration therefore serves a dual purpose. First, it stands as a solemn tribute to his personal sacrifice and steadfast commitment to a united Nigeria. Second, it is a clarion call to present and future leaders to draw inspiration from that commitment. The Nigerian aspiration must be anchored on justice, accountability, discipline, and the collective good,”_ she stated.

Louisa also paid glowing tribute to the late Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, describing his loyalty and sacrifice as enduring symbols of courage and national service.

Speaking on behalf of the family, former Minister of Defence and first son, Ambassador Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu and Governor Otti.

He commended the Abia Government for renovating the gravesite and supporting the event, and noted that Governor Otti “has performed exceptionally well in governance and deserves a second term in office.”

Relatives earlier appealed to Nigerians to reflect on Aguiyi-Ironsi’s contributions and assess his legacy with fairness and historical objectivity, urging citizens to uphold patriotism, peaceful coexistence and national integration.

The ceremony reached its emotional peak with prayers and consecration of the tomb by the Bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, alongside other clergy.

This was followed by the laying of wreaths by the President’s representative, Governor Otti, representative of Governor Charles Soludo, Commissioner Dr. Law Mefor, Dame Patience Jonathan, and other dignitaries.

Other dignitaries present included: Abia Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu;  representatives of the National Assembly; Archbishops and other Clergy; heads of federal agencies, traditional rulers, military officers and other distinguished guests.

The ceremony ended with a renewed national call for unity, peaceful coexistence, patriotism and selfless leadership as enduring values exemplified by Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi.

 

Continue Reading

BURNING ISSUE

Abia To Host South-East Security Summit As Otti Leads Aguiyi-Ironsi 60th Memorial, NAF Complex Handover

Published

3 weeks ago

on

July 29, 2026

By

The Abia State Government has announced a packed week of high-profile events headlined by a South-East Security Summit, the 60th memorial of Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, and the handover of a new Nigerian Air Force complex.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting  chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Prince Kanu said Abia will host a high-level South-East Security Summit on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia

The summit, themed Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability is aimed at bringing together key stakeholders to deliberate on regional security strategies.

He said the summit will attract Governors of the five South-East states, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as Special Guest of Honour, while former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd.), will deliver the keynote address and Governor Alex Otti will be the host.

The summit underscores the commitment of the South-East Governors to fostering stronger regional cooperation in addressing security challenges and promoting lasting peace and stability,Prince Kanu stated.

The Commissioner also announced that Governor Alex Otti will  lead eminent Nigerians to commemorate the 60th memorial anniversary of Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi.

Activities include a wreath-laying ceremony at the late General’s tomb at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Conference Centre, followed by a reception with tributes at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Special Guest of Honour, while former President Olusegun Obasanjo will attend as Guest of Honour. Governor Alex Otti is the Chief Host while Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe will be the royal father of the day,Kanu said.

On Friday, July 31, 2026, Governor Otti will formally hand over the newly constructed Nigerian Air Force Administrative Complex in Umuahia to the NAF.The ceremony will also be attended by the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Air Staff and other senior military officers.

Prince Kanu said the Executive Council reviewed the Ministry of Health’s annual performance and noted massive transformation across the sector. Key achievements include: 148 Primary Healthcare Centres fully functionalised, with 3 more this week and 35 others being equipped.
Increased hospital utilisation and reduction in maternal mortality.
Expansion of digital health initiatives and strengthened global partnerships.
233,000 beneficiaries enrolled in the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme since its 2025 launch. Government is developing strategies to extend coverage to more indigent residents.

On public health, the Commissioner assured that no cases of Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, cholera, diphtheria, Mpox or yellow fever were recorded in the state during the period under review.

In a bid to expand access to education, the Abia State Government conducted the 2026 First School Leaving Certificate examination for 34 inmates across correctional centres.15 inmates from Umuahia Correctional Centre and 19 from Aba Correctional Centre participated, Kanu said. The exercise was facilitated by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education through the Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education.

The correctional walls are no barriers to the acquisition of education in Abia State. Every citizen deserves a second chance through education,he added.

The Special Adviser on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu, said the Agency has been revived to deliver quality education to adults and disadvantaged groups, with instructors and materials deployed to correctional centres.

Governor Otti is set to sign the Abia State Climate Change Policy Document, a landmark policy expected to position the state for global climate financing.

Once operational, the international community will begin to take Abia State more seriously in climate action, opening up several climate funding opportunities, Kanu said. The policy will address flooding, erosion, heat waves and food insecurity.

The Governor has also directed immediate intervention at the Amamba-Uzuakoli flood/erosion site in Bende LGA ,and the Ipupe-Ubakala flood site in Umuahia South LGA. Engineers have completed on-the-spot assessments and remediation works will commence immediately.

On sanitation, the Ministry of Environment visited 103 communities, inspected over 9,000 premises, issued 37,500 abatement notices, and recorded compliance in 2,500 premises after follow-ups. These efforts have continued to keep Abia among the cleanest states in Nigeria, Kanu restated.

The Ministry, in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, organised the maiden 2026 Abia State Mathematics Kings and Queens Competition, which attracted over 600 pupils and students from public and private schools across the state.

 

Continue Reading

Trending