The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has disclosed that it has trained over 1,000 teachers on health and education, engaged more than 700 community and religious leaders on health, education and HIV awareness, and worked with over 300 schools in Abia State since the launch of the Abia First Education Initiative.
The revelation was made when the Head of Office and Country Representative of UNESCO to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Jean-Paul Ngome-Abiaga, led a delegation to the office of the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, where he also commended the Governor for his administration’s strong commitment to education reforms.

Dr. Ngome-Abiaga praised the Governor’s leadership since assuming office in 2023, noting that the results of his policies are already visible, particularly in the education sector.
“Your Excellency, let me first commend you for the work you have started since 2023. We have seen the results,” he said.
He acknowledged that although UNESCO’s mandate covers education, science, culture, communication and information, the organisation was particularly impressed by the priority given to education by the Abia State Government.

According to him, the decision of the Governor to allocate 20 percent of the state budget to education demonstrates a strong commitment to human capital development.
“We know the importance and place of education in your agenda. We know that you have dedicated 20 percent of the budget of the State to education and we would like to really congratulate you for that,” he added.
Dr. Ngome-Abiaga further expressed UNESCO’s willingness to deepen partnership with the Abia State Government in key sectors including education and health, assuring that the organisation would continue to provide technical expertise to support the Governor’s development agenda.

Also speaking during the visit, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, introduced the Africa Social Impact Summit to the Governor and invited him to attend the upcoming conference scheduled for July as a guest of honour.
She explained that the summit, which partners with the United Nations, was established after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022 to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through partnerships, impact investment and policy advocacy.
According to her, the platform has already unlocked over 100 million dollars in development investments by fostering collaboration across the public sector, private sector and development organisations.

Responding, Governor Alex Otti appreciated the delegation for the visit and described UNESCO and its partners as valuable collaborators in the state’s development efforts.
He noted that their request for deeper collaboration in education, health funding and the reduction of out-of-school children aligns with the priorities of his administration.
“What you came with is a request that no one can say no to — partnership, support to reduce the number of out-of-school children, asking that more money be allocated to health and education. Those are good and they are imperative for a government that is serious,” the Governor said.

Governor Otti also announced that the Computer Based Test (CBT) for the second batch of teachers’ recruitment would be conducted next week for about 24,000 successful applicants shortlisted for the examination.
He highlighted key achievements of his administration in the education sector, including the implementation of free and compulsory education, massive renovation of schools, recruitment of 5,394 teachers, training of educators and improved remuneration for teachers.

The Governor further disclosed that his administration has consistently allocated 20 percent of the state budget to education and 15 percent to health, amounting to a combined 35 percent investment in critical human development sectors.
Present during the visit were the Commissioner for Basic Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi; Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Mathew Ekwuruibe; Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba; Commissioner for Science and Technology, Engr. David Kalu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu; and the Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, Lady Lydia Onuoha, among other senior government officials.

A week of jubilant celebrations in Bende Federal Constituency reached a powerful crescendo as youths from all 13 wards gathered in Uzuakoli for a heartfelt thanksgiving and praise service honouring Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, the former YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate, whose 45th birthday became a festival of faith, philanthropy, and communal unity.

The weeklong celebration of Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso’s 45th birthday,former Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the 2023 election concluded with a memorable thanksgiving praise and worship session.

The event, organized by youths from the 13 wards of Bende Federal Constituency, took place at the Practicing School, Uzuakoli, in Bende Local Government Area.

The celebration was held in honour of their leader and benefactor, Dr. Anyaso, whose profound love for God was described by attendees as “unquantifiable.” Youths from all wards gathered to pay tribute to God for Anyaso’s life and to express gratitude for the success of the entire birthday celebration, which included the traditional Iriji Ofuji festival.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Anyaso expressed deep appreciation to God for the gift of life.

“This day is dedicated entirely to God for His mercies and manifold blessings,” he said. “It is not a speech-making day. I urge everyone to return all the glory to God, for no man can claim to be the doer if not for Him.”

Reflecting on his 45 years, Anyaso described his journey as “an act of God” and acknowledged that God remains his unwavering anchor through every challenge.

In the days leading up to the thanksgiving session, Dr. Anyaso visited several key institutions and groups within Bende LGA, including the School of Nursing Aba, the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Umuahia, workers of Bende LGA, the Nde Eze and Nde Ugoeze leadership councils, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Bende chapter, political stakeholders, and the women and widows of Bende LGA, providing cash donations and gifts.

The event’s highlight was a stirring rendition of Dr. Anyaso’s favourite hymn, “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.” This was followed by thanksgiving and intercessory prayers led by Pastor Okechukwu Dike, a sermon by Pastor Prince Imo, and the presentation of a cash award to the coordinator of the OFUJI MOVEMENT in Item Ward A, recognized for organizing the best Iriji Ofuji 2025 celebration among the 13 wards of Bende Federal Constituency.

Abia Government Rolls Out Sweeping Reforms: Pension Launch, Cultural Renaissance, Transport Expansion, Safe Water Intervention, and Industrial Growth

The Abia State Government has unveiled a raft of reforms and initiatives cutting across workers’ welfare, culture, infrastructure, transportation, health, and industrial development, reaffirming its commitment to the well-being of citizens and the transformation of the state.

Briefing journalists at Government House Umuahia on Monday after this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the state will in September formally launch the Contributory Pension Scheme for public servants.

According to him, ten Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) have already been approved for enlistment into the scheme, with preparations at advanced stages. He described the move as a demonstration of the government’s “unwavering commitment to improving the well-being of Abia workers.”

In a bid to rekindle Igbo cultural pride and showcase indigenous craftsmanship, the State Executive Council has approved a policy mandating civil servants to wear traditional outfits every Friday, while members of the Executive Council will put on traditional attire every first Monday of the month.

“We are aware that there is an ongoing cultural revolution in the state, and this initiative will help strengthen our identity and promote locally made fabrics,” Kanu said.

On transportation and orderliness, the Commissioner disclosed that the government will intensify enforcement of traffic regulations, targeting offenders such as those driving against traffic, disobeying traffic lights, or picking up passengers in unauthorized spots.

Kanu also issued a stern warning to individuals extorting traders at Ngwa Road market, stressing that the government has identified those involved and is giving them a last chance to desist before facing prosecution.

To ensure rural dwellers benefit from modern services, the State Executive Council has approved the extension of the newly introduced mass transit scheme to hinterland local government areas such as Arochukwu, Umunneochi, and Ukwa East, following the expected arrival of 40 buses in November.

Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, assured that extortion complaints in markets raised during the briefing would be thoroughly investigated.

In a swift response to reports of water contamination in Ohanso, Ukwa East LGA, the government has set up an emergency management team led by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna, to provide potable water.

Investigations revealed that hydrocarbons suspected to be crude oil had seeped into boreholes in the community, contaminating drinking water. “This remedial action underscores the compassionate governance style of Governor Otti, providing immediate solutions to communities under danger,” Kanu said.

On industrial development, the Commissioner disclosed that earthworks have commenced at the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) following compensation payments to affected landowners. HSI Energies, developers of the Modular Refinery project within the park, are reported to be making significant progress, having secured almost all regulatory approvals.

Meanwhile, road construction and rehabilitation continue across the state, with direct-labour projects ongoing in 55 locations, five of which have been completed in the past week.
The briefing was also attended by Prof. Ogbonna, Dr. Ukaegbu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma.