Abia Intensifies Recruitment Of Health Professionals, Boosts Sanitary Inspection Drive
The Abia State Government says it is committed to recruiting highly qualified health professionals through a transparent, merit–based process as part of its drive to strengthen the state’s healthcare sector.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council.
According to Kanu, the recruitment exercise has recorded impressive progress. “At the onset, about 2,035 applications were received, while 1,752 applicants were shortlisted. Of these, 1,404 completed the computer-based test (CBT) staged in two cohorts. The first cohort had about 1,250 applicants, and the mop-up cohort 187. Interviews for successful candidates are now ongoing,” he explained.
Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Mrs Eno Jerry-Eze, stressed that the process remains fully transparent. “We are committed to ensuring His Excellency’s vision of a new Abia is reflected in our recruitment. We want only the most qualified professionals to join our healthcare workforce,” she said.
Prince Kanu also announced continued infrastructure renewal across the state. Six new roads, including Port Harcourt Road and Ohanku Road in Aba, are slated for commissioning in early October 2025, bringing the total number of completed road projects under Governor Otti to 39.
In a related development, Abia is recording strong gains in environmental health following the reintroduction of sanitary inspection services across all 17 local government areas in August 2025.
Environmental Health Officers have so far visited about 4,500 premises across 85 communities, in line with Governor Otti’s “Keep Abia Clean” initiative to make the state the cleanest in Nigeria.
Commissioner Kanu cautioned Inspectors against extortion, emphasizing that only established environmental fines should be collected.
Commissioner for Environment, Mr Philemon Ogbonna, added that sanitation services—once moribund—have been fully restored and urged community leaders to support the campaign.
To reinforce the state’s green agenda, the Executive Council has also approved a statewide tree-planting campaign to curb erosion, reduce flooding, and improve the climate. Abia will join the rest of the world to mark World Cleanup Day on September 25, with the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) partnering stakeholders to ensure a successful event.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, underscored that these initiatives are strictly for public health and environmental safety, not revenue generation.
