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.

In a bold move aimed at safeguarding lives, enhancing public safety, and strengthening citizen-government engagement, the Abia State Government has commenced comprehensive enforcement of restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in designated areas of Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia.
The Abia State government is simultaneously rolling out innovative initiatives designed to deepen security monitoring, improve service delivery, and expand digital connectivity across the state.

Briefing journalists after this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the restriction on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, forms a critical component of the administration’s broader security strategy to protect residents and prevent criminal activities.

According to him, the policy, though difficult, was adopted in the overriding public interest, stressing that no economic consideration can outweigh the value of human life.
“The safety and security of Abians remain paramount.

Government has a responsibility to ensure that residents can live, work, and move about in a safe and secure environment,” Prince Kanu stated.
He explained that all motorcycles operating within the state, whether for commercial, private, courier, or delivery purposes, must henceforth be registered and documented under an expanded transportation integration programme initiated by the state government over 18 months ago.

To strengthen
accountability and security monitoring, registered riders will be issued colour-coded reflective identification vests based on senatorial districts, alongside unique local government identification numbers.
The Abia State Board of Internal Revenue will maintain a comprehensive database of all registered motorcycles.
Prince Kanu emphasized that motorcycles registered for courier and delivery services would not be permitted to carry passengers under any circumstance, while all commercial operators must wear the officially approved state-issued identification vest while operating within approved jurisdictions.

The enforcement exercise will be carried out jointly by the Abia State Harmonized Task Force and security agencies across the state. Government has also designated loading bays in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia for the impounding of motorcycles operating in violation of the policy.
As part of implementation guidelines, penalties for violations will take effect from Monday, June 29, 2026. Previously impounded motorcycles may be reclaimed free of charge after 48 hours, subject to proper verification and registration requirements. Government also announced that any penalties collected before the commencement date would be refunded.
Private motorcycles will continue to enjoy unrestricted movement but must be duly registered and documented. They are, however, prohibited from carrying passengers.Penalty is twenty thousand (20,000) for Violators.

To ensure transparency and accountability during enforcement, government has established toll-free complaint channels through which members of the public can report misconduct, extortion, abuse, or infractions by enforcement personnel.

Speaking on the security implications of the initiative, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd.), noted that the registration and colour-coding system would significantly improve monitoring, identification, and intelligence gathering.

“The primary responsibility of any government is the safety and security of its people. Governor Alex Otti is taking proactive steps to prevent the security challenges witnessed in several other states from taking root in Abia,” he said.

Also contributing, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, noted that the restriction was purely a security-driven measure and not targeted at any group or community, recalling that similar policies had existed in previous administrations.

In a complementary move to strengthen governance and citizen participation, the state government announced that its newly established Citizens’ Engagement Centre is ready for commissioning.
Prince Kanu described the facility as a technology-enabled platform approved by Governor Alex Otti to facilitate real-time interaction between government and citizens. The centre will receive complaints, inquiries, suggestions, and feedback from residents and channel them to relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies for prompt resolution.

Beyond improving service delivery, the centre is expected to serve as a strategic data collection and processing hub to support evidence-based policymaking, programme evaluation, and performance monitoring across government institutions.
Chief Information Officer to the Governor, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe, explained that the facility would function as a modern contact centre, enabling citizens to access government services remotely through telephone calls, emails, WhatsApp, and other digital platforms without the need for physical visits.

Further reinforcing the state’s security and development agenda, the government disclosed progress on its strategic partnership with MTN Nigeria to achieve 100 percent voice and broadband data coverage across Abia State.
Prince Kanu said the first phase of the network expansion project is expected to be completed within the next eight to ten weeks, bringing reliable telecommunications services to even the most remote communities.

According to him, the initiative will not only promote social and financial inclusion but also enhance access to healthcare and education while strengthening security through improved communication and emergency response capabilities.
Mr. Ilukwe added that the network densification project would ensure that every community in Abia enjoys dependable connectivity, thereby supporting economic growth and effective governance.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to promote cultural identity and creative enterprise, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy will host the Canvas, Culture and Arts Festival 2026 on June 25 at the Michael Okpara Auditorium under the theme “Defining Us.”
The festival will feature art exhibitions, cultural displays, creative engagements, networking opportunities, and interactions with emerging and established artists, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and creative talents of the people of Abia State.

The government reiterated that the motorcycle restriction policy is solely a public safety and security measure designed to protect lives and property and urged residents, transport operators, community leaders, and stakeholders to cooperate with authorities.
“There is no cause for panic. This policy is about protecting lives, preserving peace, and building a safer Abia for everyone,” the government stated.
With the combined implementation of enhanced transportation regulations, digital citizen engagement, expanded telecommunications infrastructure, and sustained public awareness campaigns, the Abia State Government says it is laying the foundation for a safer, more connected, and more prosperous future for all residents.

The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Nigeria, has commended the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for the decision to ban the operations of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, within the metropolitan areas of Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia, effective Monday, June 22, 2026.

In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the organization described the policy as a bold and timely intervention aimed at tackling rising security challenges, improving public safety, reducing road traffic accidents, and promoting a more organized urban transportation system across the affected cities.
FENRAD noted that in recent years, Aba and Umuahia have witnessed a disturbing increase in criminal activities facilitated by the use of commercial motorcycles. According to the organization, incidents of armed robbery, phone and bag snatching, targeted attacks, and swift escapes from crime scenes have often been linked to the operational flexibility of motorcycles, which can easily navigate congested roads and narrow streets.

The rights advocacy group stated that the continued use of motorcycles in urban centres for criminal activities has contributed to growing insecurity and fear among residents, thereby undermining public confidence in security agencies and governance.
The organization expressed confidence that restricting commercial motorcycle operations within metropolitan areas would enhance the capacity of security agencies to monitor movement, curb criminal activities, and strengthen law enforcement efforts in combating urban crime.

Beyond security concerns, FENRAD emphasized that the ban could significantly reduce the high rate of road traffic accidents associated with commercial motorcycle operations. The group cited reckless riding, dangerous overtaking, overloading, disregard for traffic regulations, and poor compliance with road safety standards as major factors contributing to numerous avoidable injuries and fatalities across the state’s urban centres.
While supporting the government’s decision, FENRAD stressed that motorcycles remain an essential mode of transportation in many rural and hard-to-reach communities where alternative transport services are either inadequate or unavailable.

The Foundation therefore urged the Abia State Government to ensure that commercial motorcycle operations are properly regulated and streamlined in rural communities, villages, and other underserved areas, while maintaining the ban within designated metropolitan centres.
FENRAD further called on the government to complement the policy with improved public transportation systems, economic support and transition programmes for affected motorcycle operators, and a fair, professional, and rights-based enforcement approach.

The organization also appealed to residents, transport unions, community leaders, and security agencies to support the successful implementation of the policy, noting that collective cooperation is essential to achieving the intended security and safety objectives.
Reaffirming its commitment to public interest advocacy, FENRAD stated that it would continue to support policies that promote public safety, strengthen security, protect human rights, enhance environmental sustainability, and improve the overall quality of life of citizens.