Abia Government Set To Launch Techrise Cohort 3,Green Shuttle Transitions to Subsidised Commercial Service

The Abia State Government has announced plans to launch Cohort 3 of its TechRise Youth Empowerment Programme, as part of ongoing efforts to equip young Abians with critical digital technology skills and expand opportunities in the knowledge economy.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR.
Prince Kanu said a registration portal would soon be opened for interested participants, while the official date and additional details would be communicated in due course.

According to him, the programme has already recorded significant success, with about 1,350 youths trained under Cohorts 1 and 2, in line with the present administration’s strategy of empowering Abia youths through digital capacity.

The Commissioner also announced the successful transition of the state’s mass transit initiative ,the Free Green Shuttle  into a commercial fare-paying service.He recalled that the transition commenced on March 1, 2026, with the state government introducing a 50 percent fare subsidy approved by Governor Alex Otti to cushion the effect on commuters.
“The subsidy applies to all inter and intra-city routes currently being operated under the bus service scheme.

“The transition marks a critical step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability and operational efficiency of the scheme,” Prince Kanu stated.
He further explained that with the commercialization of the mass transit system, commuters would now make use of the Abia Connect Card, which operates through an e-ticketing platform.
According to him, obtaining the Abia State Social Insurance Number (ABSSIN) has become a mandatory requirement for acquiring the Abia Connect Card.

Prince Kanu noted that the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with relevant government agencies including the Harmonised Task Force, Homeland Security, and the Abia State Road Traffic Management Agency, has been engaging stakeholders across the state’s transport ecosystem.
He said the agencies are conducting joint sensitisation and enforcement exercises to guide commuters at bus stops and shelters across Umuahia and Aba.

To ease the process for passengers, ABSSIN enumerators have been deployed to bus shelters and designated areas to assist commuters with registration, while touch-and-pay agents are stationed at various points to help users load funds onto their Abia Connect Cards.

Providing an update on usage statistics, Prince Kanu revealed that 202,601 passengers have benefited from the Green Shuttle service between its rollout on December 24, 2025, and March 8, 2026.
He further disclosed that the government has constructed 70 bus shelters across the state, including 30 in Umuahia and 40 in Aba.
According to him, all 30 shelters in Umuahia are already operational, while 38 in Aba are currently in use, with the remaining two expected to commence operations soon.

On infrastructure development, the Commissioner announced the completion of the 22.5-kilometre third and final stretch of the Uzuakoli–Akara–Ohafia Road.
He added that contract work is currently ongoing in 31 locations across the state, while direct labour projects are being executed in 49 locations.
Prince Kanu noted that one direct labour project,the 1.25-kilometre Madonna Hospital Road off Aba Road in Umuahia has been completed.
He said four additional projects have been added to the Ministry of Works’ maintenance schedule. They include:Construction of a 1-kilometre Okporoenyi–Isiegbu Road in Bende,
Construction of a 4.71-kilometre Akara–Ovim Road in Isuikwuato LGA,
Maintenance of failed sections of the 8.6-kilometre Obinulo–Nkwoagu Junction–Nkwoagu–Isochi Road in Umunneochi LGA
Maintenance of sections of the 5.2-kilometre Nkwoagu Junction–Nkwoagu–Mbala–Isuochi Road in Umunneochi LGA

Contributing, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, explained that the transport system is still in its pilot phase and will continue to improve as implementation progresses.
They noted that the initiative was introduced to curb exploitation and excessive charges by commercial vehicles and tricycle operators, thereby making transportation more affordable and improving economic activity in the state.

Responding to questions from journalists, the Transport Commissioner explained that the Abia Connect Card currently allows payment for only one passenger per card, noting that adjustments may be made as the pilot phase progresses.
He also addressed concerns over the absence of Umudike on some routes, explaining that although the route had been included earlier, the poor condition of the road makes it unsuitable for the buses at the moment, but it will be reconsidered once the road is improved.