The Abia State Government has issued a stern warning to vandals and criminal elements sabotaging public assets, declaring its resolve to prosecute offenders and safeguard government property.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this known on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Umuahia. He announced that the Facility Manager of the Aba Textile Mill and two staff members have been apprehended and detained for their involvement in the theft and vandalization of the facility.
“The state government is using this medium to warn all unscrupulous persons whose stock in trade is to steal and vandalize government property to desist from such criminal tendencies or be ready to face the wrath of the law,” Kanu said emphatically.
In a strategic move to accelerate its urban renewal agenda, the Executive Council has directed the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) to fast-track the development of a new Umuahia City. According to Prince Kanu, this is aimed at decongesting the current capital and giving it a modern, expansive look.
Highlighting infrastructure strides, the Commissioner announced the completion of key roads around the Ariaria axis, including Umuode Road, Bakassi Road, and Isi-Ihitteukwu Close, all now ready for commissioning. He also disclosed that construction works are ongoing on Umuosi, Ihuoma, and Umukanna Roads under the Government’s GADA initiative.
The council also approved the renovation and retrofitting of the Vocational and Skills Centre at Mgbarakuma, Ubakala, which has suffered years of neglect. “The GM of UCDA has been directed to ensure that the facility is up and running in the shortest possible time,” Kanu assured.
As Governor Dr. Alex Otti’s administration approaches its second anniversary, Prince Kanu disclosed that celebrations will be held on a low-key scale. “Rather than just roll out the drums to celebrate, it will be a period of stocktaking and a mid-term review of achievements, the highs and the lows,” he explained.
Activities lined up to mark the milestone include an interdenominational thanksgiving service, presentations of scorecards by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the flag-off and commissioning of new projects.
In a groundbreaking cultural highlight, Abia State is set to be featured in the Guinness Book of World Records through a partnership between the State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy and a local artist, Mr. Noah Geoffrey. Mr. Geoffrey aims to paint 300 faces in one hour, a feat that would surpass the current record of 217.
The record attempt, scheduled for May 23, 2025, at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, has received official approval from Guinness World Records. All materials for the historic event are being locally sourced from Aba, showcasing the state’s creative ingenuity.
Prince Kanu praised the state’s Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy for promoting local talents and raising the profile of Abia on the global creative map.
He also lauded the achievements of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, under Commissioner Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, for its outstanding performance at the maiden NDDC Sports Festival where Team Abia clinched a total of 33 medals – 9 gold, 10 silver, and 14 bronze. The ministry also successfully hosted the Under-12 and Under-15 handball championships, further demonstrating the state’s commitment to youth development through sports.
The briefing was jointly attended by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, and his counterpart from Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe.
