MINISTERIAL VISIT

UN, Federal Government Endorse Abia As Nigeria’s Innovation Capital

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2026

….Governor Alex Otti Positions State for Technology-Driven Economic Revolution

Abia State has received a major vote of confidence from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Federal Government, with Governor Alex Otti reaffirming his administration’s commitment to deploying technology, innovation and digital transformation as the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth, industrial expansion and educational excellence.

The declaration came as Governor Otti received the UNDP delegation led by the Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Africa, Mrs. Ahunna Eziakonwa, alongside representatives of Vice President Kashim Shettima, led by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, ahead of the official commissioning of the Manufacturing Technology Innovation Hub (UniPod) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

The high-profile visit underscored Abia’s growing national and international recognition as a leading destination for innovation, manufacturing and enterprise development, with stakeholders describing the State as the most suitable location for the landmark technology hub.
Governor Otti described the UniPod project as a transformative investment that would bridge the gap between research, innovation and industry while empowering young innovators, supporting small and medium enterprises, strengthening indigenous manufacturers and accelerating Abia’s transition into a technology-powered economy.
“We are very glad that the UniPod project is being commissioned today. We congratulate everyone who made it possible and assure you that the Abia State Government will provide every support required to ensure that the project delivers meaningful impact on our people, our industrialists, SMEs and the technology ecosystem,” the Governor said.

He stressed that his administration remains unwavering in its determination to make technology the engine of governance, economic competitiveness and educational advancement, noting that the State has assembled some of the country’s finest technology experts to drive its digital transformation agenda.
Governor Otti also reaffirmed Abia’s readiness to meet the Federal Government’s July 31 deadline for uploading student records onto the Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System (D-NEMIS), describing digital education as central to building a globally competitive workforce.
In a strong endorsement of the Governor’s leadership, Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, declared that the UNDP could not have selected a better State for the Manufacturing Technology Innovation Hub, describing Abia as Nigeria’s manufacturing heartbeat.

He credited Governor Otti’s visionary leadership, particularly the provision of uninterrupted electricity across industrial clusters, as a game-changing achievement capable of sustaining manufacturing growth, attracting investment and creating jobs.
“Governor Alex Otti has demonstrated what futuristic and purposeful leadership looks like. He has shown that Nigeria can emulate what Abia has done in providing 24-hour electricity to support industry and development,” the Minister stated.
The UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Africa, Mrs. Ahunna Eziakonwa, equally applauded Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to education and human development, describing the UniPod initiative as a practical demonstration of the United Nations’ resolve to deliver measurable development that transforms lives.
She expressed confidence that the project would nurture innovation, unlock opportunities for young people and stimulate inclusive economic development across the State.

Also speaking, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, praised Governor Otti’s visionary approach to innovation and digital transformation, noting that the Manufacturing Technology Innovation Hub would cultivate talent, promote entrepreneurship, support research and transform creative ideas into globally competitive businesses.
She appreciated the strong partnership between the Abia State Government and the United Nations, expressing confidence that the collaboration would continue to position Abia as a model for innovation-driven development in Nigeria and across Africa.

The meeting reinforced the State’s collective commitment to harnessing innovation as a catalyst for economic prosperity, industrial competitiveness and inclusive development.

BURNING ISSUE

Engr. Umahi Commends Progress on Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway

Published

9 months ago

October 20, 2025

Glodailyfacts

The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. Dave Umahi, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determined commitment to the timely completion of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, assuring Nigerians that the project will be ready by the end of the year.

Speaking to newsmen after inspecting the Aba end of the project, Senator Umahi expressed delight at the pace and quality of work, describing the efforts of the contractors as commendable and reflective of the President’s vision for durable national infrastructure.

“The public should know that Mr. President is working very, very hard to complete this road,” Umahi stated. “For the Aba–Port Harcourt section, about 60 per cent of the work has been completed, while the Aba–Umuahia stretch has reached over 85 per cent. I am very pleased with the performance of Arab Contractors; they remain one of our best.”

The Minister applauded the Federal Controller of Works in Abia State, Engr. Chidi Uwaeziozi, for his diligence and professionalism, noting that his proactive supervision has significantly accelerated infrastructural development across the state. Umahi further directed that the Controller visit all federal project sites weekly to ensure consistent quality assurance and early detection of potential challenges.

He noted that several roads across the country had become “national priorities” due to their deplorable conditions when President Tinubu assumed office, emphasizing that the administration remains resolute in its commitment to providing long-lasting, functional road networks.

According to the Minister, the Federal Government has now adopted the use of reinforced concrete pavement technology in major road construction projects to ensure durability and longevity. “We are building roads that will last between 50 and 100 years,” Umahi declared. “Any road this administration fixes will stand the test of time.”

Dismissing claims that rainfall is impeding progress, Umahi explained that experienced contractors are employing innovative engineering solutions such as the “tankering” method, which allows for efficient earthwork during the rainy season. He, however, warned that substandard work would not be tolerated under his watch.

“I was on one of the roads today and was dissatisfied with the quality of work,” the Minister said. “I immediately ordered the expatriates responsible to be removed from the site. This is engineering—precision, not colour or nationality.”

Umahi also revealed that completed roads will be tolled under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to ensure sustainable maintenance, stressing that concrete roads require minimal upkeep for decades.

The Project Manager of Arab Contractors, Mr. Sherif Fadel, acknowledged that while persistent rainfall and earlier funding gaps had posed challenges, recent improvements in payments have enhanced progress.

Residents of Aba, including Mr. Chukwuebuka Nwankwo and Mrs. Oluchi Ukachi, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the contractors for the remarkable quality of work, urging for swift completion to further boost trade and ease mobility.

The Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, a critical economic corridor connecting several South-East and South-South states, stands as a proof to the Tinubu administration’s renewed hope agenda and its determination to rebuild Nigeria’s road infrastructure with integrity, vision, and sustainability.