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BURNING ISSUE

Governor Otti Sets To Flag Off Construction Of Abia Airport And Retrofitting Of 20 Smart Schools In Focus

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2 years ago

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Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti will on Tuesday next week in company of the Minister of Aviation ,Festus Keyamo flag off the Abia airport project located at Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North LGA

The Commissioner for Information,
Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this while briefing the press on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

According to the Commissioner, at the outset, airport was not a priority project of the state government but when the federal government decided to build an airstrip in Abia State, the Governor decided to partner the Federal government to convert the airstrip to a full airport project through his forward thinking disposition and vision.

“This unique partnership will lead to the construction of the requisite runways by the state government that would land bigger aircrafts when finished.” Prince Kanu stated.

He said that the major stakeholders are on board to ensure the success of the project.

Prince Kanu announced that the Governor also would present the 2025 Abia State Budget Estimate to the State House of Assembly.

He said that the budget presentation is in keeping with the state government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainable development, adding that the event promises to be a momentous one that would attract various stakeholders both in political and economic circles of the state.

Prince Kanu disclosed that the Governor has approved the establishment of 20 smart schools across the 17 LGAs of the state as a further step towards the revamping of the education system in the state, adding that the retrofitting of schools in the state would still continue.

According to him, the new law mandating compulsory school attendance for children would come into effect on January 1, 2024, adding that under this law, it will be an offence for any parent or guardian in the state to fail to send their children or wards to school.

He said that the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi has been directed to activate necessary measures to enforce compliance.

The Information boss disclosed that the new COVID 19 variant ,XEC is not in the state while Abia has been declared free from diphtheria, Mpox and Cholera by the Centre for Disease Control.

Price Kanu reiterated that the recently renovated Emergency Operation Center, funded by CARITAS and located at the Abia State Insurance building has been handed over to the Ministry of Health, noting that the facility would serve as a central hub for coordinating responses to public health emergencies.

On road Infrastructure, the Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Works has completed three new road projects in Aba, including the Cemetery Road Phase 2, Umule Road, and Umuocham Road which are slated for commissioning soon.

He said that the projects would bring the total number of commissioned roads under Governor Otti’s administration to 20 in addition to the 147 rehabilitated roads, completed through direct labour, in Aba, Umuahia and other parts of the state.

Prince Kanu assured residents and visitors of adequate security during this yuletide, adding that preparations are underway to provide a safe and joyous yuletide for all.

Contributing, the commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi said the smart schools would begin with secondary schools, saying that existing schools would be retrofitted for the purpose and teachers’ skills upgraded.

Comprehensive list of projects in the state on direct labour.
1. ROAD REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS (MINISTRY WORK DIRECT LABOUR UNITS)

A. COMPLETED PROJECTS

1. Repair & Maintenance Work at Aba Road, Umuahia.
2. Repair & Maintenance Work on Otuka Road, Umuahia.
3. Palliative Work at Olokoro Road, Umuahia.
4. Repair & Maintenance Work on Ikot-Ekpene Road, Umuahia (Phase 1)
5. Repair & Maintenance Work at Lagos Street, Umuahia.
6. Repair & Maintenance Work from Police check point to International Conference Center (Ogurube Layout)
7. Repair & Maintenance Work within Commissioners Quarters Internal Roads.
8. Repair & Maintenance Work at Road 2 Low-cost Housing Estate, Umuahia.
9. Repair & Maintenance Work at Umuahia – Uzuakoli Road, Umuahia (Ossah Road to Ubani 2nd Gate)
10. Palliative Work on Umuahia-Uzuakoli Road. (from Trade More/Ubani 2nd Gate to Uzuakoli)
11. Repair & Maintenance Work at Niger Road, Umuahia.
12. Rehabilitation of Isieketa Market Road (Junction).
13. Repair & Maintenance Work at Enugu Road , Umuahia.
14. Repair & Maintenance Work at Orpet — World Bank Housing Estate — Agbama Roads, Umuahia.
15. Maintenance & Repair of Bata to Salad Market Junction, Aba.
16. Maintenance, Repair and Asphalt overlay of Jubilee Road, Aba.
17. Maintenance, Repair and Asphalt overlay of Queen’s street Aba.
18. Drain desilting of Azikiwe Road (LHS), Jubilee Road, Hospital Road, St. Michaels Road, Pound Road, Park Road, Ngwa Road, Azikiwe by Mosque to School Road.
19. Emergency repair of Amuvi–Amakohia Road, Arochukwu LG
20. Maintenance, Repair and Asphalt overlay of Part of Ehi Road, Aba.
21. Drain desilting of Osusu Road, umuocham Road to Ukwu Apu.
22. Emergency Repair of Opobo Junction — Azumini — Obehie Road.
23. Repair & Maintenance Work at World Bank Housing Estate Internal Road (Road O).
24. Repair & Maintenance Work at Uwalaka Street, Umuahia.
25. Maintenance of BCA Road (From BCA Junction to New Secretariat), Umuahia.
26. Repair & Maintenance of Road to New Government House.
27. Repair & Maintenance Work along Old Umuahia — Ubakala Road.
28. Repair & Maintenance Work at Ntigha Mbawsi Road (phase 1).
29. Repair & maintenance Work at Ntigha — Mbawsi — Nvosi Road (Phase 2).
30. Maintenance of Finbarrs Road, Umuahia (phase 1).
31. Maintenance & Repair of NNPC __ Nkwoegwu Road and spurs.
32. Maintenance & Repair Work at World Bank Housing Estate Internal Roads (Road C).
33. Repair & Maintenance Work at Uzuakoli Road, Umuahia (From Cooperative to Uwalaka Street).
34. Repair & Maintenance Work at Asaba Street, Umuahia.
35. Repair & Maintenance Work at Amuzukwu, Umuahia.
36. Repair & Maintenance Work at Ntigha — Ahia Orie (phase 1).
37. Maintenance and Repair of Cottage Hospital Road, Aba.
38. Maintenance of Old Umuahia —- ubakala Road.
39. Maintenance of Olokoro Road from Mboli, Aba Road to Holy Ghost College.
40. Maintenance of Ohobo Road to Uchenna Junction by Aba Road, Umuahia.
41. Maintenance & Repair of Ogbor-hill Bridge to Opobo Road junction, Aba.
42. Clearing of Sand Refuse Traps and Repair of Bridge Abutment Washout at Okpu Umuobo Water-Side, Aba.
43. Maintenance of library Avenue (Bank Road), Umuahia.
44. Maintenance of Amuvi -Nkwunabo Road in Arochukwu LGA.
45. Maintenance work at St. Michaels Road, Aba.
46. Maintenance work at York Street to Azikiwe Road, Aba.
47. Maintenance Work at Mosque Street to Park Road, Aba .
48. Maintenance of Finbarrs Road, Umuahia (Phase 2).
49. Repair & maintenance Work along Orpet- Umuafai, Umuahia-Lodu Road, Umuahia.
50. Maintenance of Onyenweaku Street, Aba.
51. Repair & Maintenance Work at FMC, Umuahia (Road leading to Emergency Ward)
52. Link up East Road to Ngwa Road, Aba.
53. Maintenance Work at Express Tower, Umuahia.
54. Repair & maintenance Work at Macualay Street, Umuahia.
55. Repair & maintenance of Government House internal Roads.
56. Repair & Maintenance of Azikiwe/Aba Road to BCA/Ikot Ekpene Road.
57. Repair & Maintenance of Micheal Okpara Auditorium and Ministry of Finance premises.
58. Drain and Tunnel desilting at Umuocham and Aba Owerri Road.
59. Repair & Maintenance of Ama Ogbonna, Mosque by Clifford, School Road by Mosque, Kamalu, Constitution Crescent.
60. Repair & Maintenance Work at New Road (from sons of Mary to stanpol junction by Aba Road, Umuahia).
61. Maintenance of Okigwe Road (from Cooperative to Uwalaka), Umuahia.
62. Reconstruction of 5 Internal Roads in Ehimiri Housing Estate (Ibe Nwachukwu Street, Ukpo Avenue, Hon. Matthew ibe street, Decond gate and Chizy Iboko Drive.
63. Reconstruction of Sir Nwogu Street, Ehimiri Housing Estate.
64. Maintenance of professor Umezurike Street, Arochukwu.
65. Repair & Maintenance Work at School Road, Umuahia.
66. Maintenance of Jumbo Offor Lane, Arochukwu.
67. Repair of Leru-Ngodo Road, Umunneochi (Phase 1)
68. Desilting of Immaculate Avenue Tunnels, Aba.
69. Asphalt overlay of Bata — Railway Crossing, Aba.
70. Bata — Brewery Road repairs (up to Binder course)
71. Repair of Leru-Ngodo Road, Umunneochi ( phases 2).
72. Repair of Eketa —Obikabia Aba Road.
73. Repair of Leru-Ngodo Umunneochi road Phase 3 up to LGA HQ Nkwoagu.
74. Maintenance of ShopRite Road, Umuahia.
75. Maintenance of Bende — Itumbuzo Road, Bende LGA.
76. Rehabilitation of factory Road, Umuahia and Spur. The Spur is the Road to Public Utilities Gate and Railway Quarters.
77. Repair of Afara Road behind Golden Guinea Breweries, Umuahia.
78. Repair of Law Anosike Road beside Golden Guinea Breweries, Umuahia.
79. Maintenance of factory Road Extension through Isiama Afara to Afara Technical College Gate, Umuahia.
80. Direct Labour Reconstruction of Old Court Road, Aba.
81. Asphalt Overlay of Breweries Road Phase 1 from NIPOST to Breweries Gate.
82. Direct labour Maintenance of Okpara Avenue with spurs.
83. Repair of Eze Desmond Oguguo Road, Umuahia (Between Okpara Avenue and Factory Road at Wiss Castle)
84. Repsir of Okpara Avenue extension between Okpara Avenue and Factory Road by ABSIIDP
85. Repair of Okpara Road Extension behind Ojukwu Bunker to Isiama Afara.
86. Repair of Eze I. I. Kanu Avenue, Isiama Afara, Umuahia.
87. Repair & Maintenance of Isiama Afara Ring Road, Ukwu Ugba and Lux Mundi University.
88. Repair/Maintenance of Nkata Ibeku Road.
89. Construction/repair of drainages/desilting of drains at Itumbuzo Road, Bende LGA.
90. Repair & Maintenance of Isolated Potholes along BCA-Azikiwe and winners/Ehimiri Roads.
91. Repair & Maintenance Work at Ehimiri Housing Estate Ring road, Umuahia.
92. Repair & Maintenance of Otu-Uka Road/ Ochendo Bypass.
93. Repair & Maintenance of Amachara Express Road.
94. Emergency repairs of Ugwunagbo LGA mother and child Hospital Road.
95. Repair of Umuakakah, Nkata Road.
96. Repair of failed sections along Aba Road.
97. Repair of Crowther Street, Umuahia.
98. Repair of Item Street, Umuahia.
99. Repair of Ohafia Street, Umuahia.
100. Repair of Abiriba street,
Umuahia.
101. Repair of Cameroun Street Umuahia .
102. Repair & Maintenance of Bonny Street, Umuahia.
103. Repair of isolated potholes along Ikot-Ekpene Junction, BCA Road.
104. Maintenance of Warri Street, Umuahia.
105. Asphalt Overlay of some failed portions of Lagos Street, Umuahia.
106. Maintenance of Secretariat Road Umuahia from Jovit Eatery to Abia Newspaper.
107. Maintenance of Bende Road (From Umuahia to Bende LGA).
108. Maintenance of Abam street, Umuahia.
109. Maintenance of Kaduna Street, Umuahia.
110. Maintenance of Okwulehie Street, Umuahia.
111. Maintenance of Olokoro Street, Umuahia.
112. Maintenance of Eket Street, Umuahia.
113. Maintenance of Nkwerre Street, Umuahia.
114. Maintenance of Warri Street, Umuahia Phase 2.
115. Repair & Maintenance of Umuocham Road (Ukwu Apu – PH Express Way).
116. Desilting of Umunkpeyi Mbawsi Road Drainage
117. Maintenance of Owerri Road, Umuahia.
118. Construction of Drains and Drainage outfalls along Dozie Way/Lodu.
119. Repair & Maintenance of Amuzukwu —Mbom Umueze Road phase 1.
120. Construction and Maintenance of Drainage system at Ehimiri Housing Estate spur to Ahiaeke —Okwuta Road, Umuahia.
121. Maintenance Work along Agbama Housing Estate Road (1st Transformer to F – Line).
122. Maintenance of Trinity Road, Afara From Uchenna bus stop to Afara Technical College Gate.
123. Drainage Works and Asphalting along Adaelu Road from Mopol Base to Geometric Power Gate.
124. Maintenance & Repair of Afara Orieogwu to Isi court.
125. Repair & Maintenance of Ekwuruke street.
126. Repair of Isolated Potholes along Aba Road, Umuahia.(From Abia Tower to Enugu/pH express) —Phase 3.
127. Repair & Maintenance of Abriba street, Umuahia. Phase 2.
128. Repair of Awolowo Street, Umuahia.
129. Repair of Aba North LG and RRS Roads & compound.
130. Remedial Repairs of Opobo Junction to Obehie Road.
131. Maintenance & Repair of Washout at Amaeke Abam, Arochukwu LGA.
132. Rigid pavement Treatment of Railway Crossing along Aba Road/Old Umuahia.
133. Reconstruction of Late HRM. Eze Ezo Ukandu Ring Road, Isuikwuato LGA.
134. Repair of Failed Portions of Nkwoagu -Amuda Isuochi Road, Umunneochi LGA.
135. Maintenance of Trinity College Road, Isiama Afara to Factory Road Extension.
136. Repair of Potholes at Commissioners quarters, New Government House.
137. Expansion of Bata Round about.
138. Maintenance of Nkwerre Street phase 2 (from Umuwaya to Niger Street) Umuahia.
139. Reconstruction of Dozieway Road Umuahia with reconstruction of Drains, Culverts and Median as well Tree planting and Installation of Solar Powered Streetlights.
140. Reconstruction of Obiora Road Aba.
141. Maintenance of Osisioma flyover
142. Maintenance of Dozieway Junction and spurs

B. ONGOING PROJECTS

1. Rehabilitation of Ndoki Road in Aba.
2. Repair & Maintenance work at Old Goods Shed Road, Umuahia.
3. Maintenance of Calabar Road and it’s Spur.
4. Repair of potholes and maintenance of Failed portions/ Drainage at Olokoro Road (Holy Ghost College —Ahiaukwu ).
5. Repairing of potholes along Isi Court – Madonna College of Health Tech to Ahiaukwu Olokoro.
6. Rehabilitation of Eketa Market to Obikabia Road, Isialangwa North axis.
7. Repair & Maintenance of Amuzukwu – Mbom Umueze Road phase 2.
8. Maintenance of Uburu – Ihechiowa Road, Arochukwu LGA.
9. Repair of Uwalaka/ ibeku Road.
10. Repair on brewery Road Extension
11. Repair of some Failed sections along Okigwe Road and Spur.
12. Repair and construction of Ugwu Court Ring Road, Abriba
13. Reconstruction of IBB – Ahiaeke Road, Umuahia.
14. Construction of ogbunammiri Drive at Ehimiri Extension.
15. Construction of St. Michaels Government Layout Drive at Ehimiri Extension.
16. Reconstruction/Maintenance of Abia state New Secretariat Road Network, (Ogurube Layout).
17. Paving of Abia State Civil Service Commission Premises.
18. Installation of reinforced concrete slabs over Open Manholes and drains across Umuahia.
19. Direct labour Maintenance and Asphalt overlay of Umuocham Road.
20. Direct labour repairs and Asphalt overlay of Umule Road.
21. Rehabilitation/construction of Rufus Obi Road, Umuokogbuo, Isuikwuato LGA.
22. Construction of Drains and Drainage outfalls along Rufus Obi Road, Umuokogbuo, Isuikwuato LGA.
23. Maintenance & Repair of Igbere Road (From Igbere junction to Onu round about igbere) Bende LGA.
24. Maintenance of Ugwueke Road (From Alayi to Ndiagbo II) Bende LGA.
25. Construction of internal Roads within NYSC Camp Igbere, Bende LGA.
26. Maintenance Work at Hospital Road, Amaekpu/Okagwe, Ohafia.
27. Repair of potholes, Maintenance of Failed portions with concrete and construction of 2 No Catchment pit on Enugu– Ukwu Road by Health center Road in World Bank Housing Estate, Umuahia.
28. Repairing of potholes/ Failed portions, repair of collapsed Drain Walls and construction of 1 No Catchment pit on health center Road in World Bank Housing Estate, Umuahia.
29. Rehabilitation of Tenant Road, Asa to Eziukwu.
30. Rehabilitation of Clifford Road, Asa to Railway.
31. Rehabilitation of School Road, Asa to Railway.
32. Maintenance of winners Way.
33. Repair of Failed portions of Leru flyover/ Tunnel junction to Ngodo Isuochi Road, Umunneochi LGA.
34. Rehabilitation of 112m failed sections and Maintenance of isolated potholes in Umuasua Road in Isuikwuato LGA.
35. Repair of Failed spots along Umuahia –Bende Road up to Bende local government headquarters.

2. CONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS

A. COMPLETED PROJECTS

1. Shalom Road, Aba completed with streetlights.
2. Cemetery market Road phase 1, Aba complete with streetlights .
3. Emelogu street, Aba. Complete with streetlights.
4. Old express/MCC Road, Aba.
5. Umuimo road, Aba.
6. Udeagbala Road Aba.
7. Omoba Road, Aba
8. Jubilee road Aba.
9. Queen’s street Aba.
10. Reconstruction of Old A3 at Obehie. Ukwa West LGA. — ASOPADEC.
11. Kent/Ehi Road, Aba.
12. University Road, Aba.
13. College Road, Aba.
14. Green avenue, Aba.
15. Umuahia – ossah road, Umuahia.
16. Abak Road Aba
17. Cemetery Road phase 2

B. ONGOING PROJECTS.

1. Port Harcourt Road Aba.
2. People’s Road Aba.
3. Omuma Road.
4. Umuahia – Uzuakoli – Ohafia Road section 1.
5. Umuahia — Uzuakoli — Ohafia Road section 2.
6. Umuahia – Uzuakoli – Ohafia Road section 3.
7. Umuezike –Ofeme Nkpa Road.
8. Ahaba ikwuano/ ohuhu ikeala Nsulu.
9. Amuvi _Ndi Okereke – Ozu Abam
10. Abayi –Ariaria –Ahiaba – Oberete – Umuiku – Eberi – Omuma Road.
11. Dualization of Umuikaa Junction to Umuene.
12. Udeagbala Drainage Extension.
13. Osisioma junction – Ekeakpara Road.
14. Nunya – Eluama Road, Isuikwuato
15. Owerrinta Bridge – Umuikaa junction
16. Ohanku Road
17. Arochukwu – Ohafia Road
18. Onu-Imo – Abia Tower of Peace Road Dualization
19. Reconstruction of Umuopara Ring Road.

C. SPECIAL PROJECT

1. Port Harcourt – Aba Section of the Port Harcourt –Enugu Express way

2. Design of Aba – Owerri Road, Aba is Ongoing

(C)Source: Abia State Ministry of Works.

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BURNING ISSUE

Abia Records 530 Applications For 173 Pocket Layout Housing Units, Moves To Strengthen Healthcare Emergency Response

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1 day ago

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November 4, 2026

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Abia State Government has disclosed that its Pocket Layout Housing Estate has attracted about 530 applications for 173 residential units under development.

While also announcing plans to strengthen specialised neurological healthcare and public health emergency response in the state.


The developments were among the highlights of the State Executive Council briefing by Governor Alex Otti, who said Abia had been selected as the most suitable location for a proposed Stroke and Neurovascular Centre following its participation in the 2026 Sweden-Africa Neurosurgery Symposium in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The proposed centre is expected to improve access to specialised diagnosis, treatment and management of stroke and other neurovascular conditions, potentially serving patients across Nigeria and West Africa.
On public health emergencies, the government said it had established a multi-sectoral preparedness and response technical working group and developed an Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan.
The remodelled Mother and Child Specialist Hospital has been designated as an Ebola isolation facility pending completion of the Infectious Disease Hospital in Aba, while the isolation facility at the Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Amachara, Umuahia, will complement the state’s response capacity.


The government also reported that no cases of Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, diphtheria or cholera were recorded between October 18 and November 1, 2026.
On housing, Governor Otti disclosed that the overwhelming interest in the 173 Pocket Layout residential units had prompted the government to consider a lottery-based allocation system to ensure transparency, fairness and equal opportunity for applicants.
He added that a comprehensive assessment of existing government housing estates and layouts was ongoing to identify deficiencies in internal roads, utilities, security and other essential infrastructure requiring government attention.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the revival of abandoned federal housing projects through land provision and other necessary interventions.
Other highlights of the briefing included agricultural interventions across the 17 local government areas, preparations for the 2026 Aba Fashion Week, Christmas celebrations and the Abia Tertiary Institutions Sports Fiesta, expected to attract about 1,850 participants.
The initiatives, according to the government, form part of its broader development agenda covering healthcare, housing, agriculture, creative enterprise and youth development.

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BURNING ISSUE

Abia Records Healthcare Breakthrough As 19-Year-Old Accident Victim Undergoes Successful Brain Surgery

Published

4 weeks ago

on

October 8, 2026

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The Abia State Government has recorded a major breakthrough in healthcare with the successful performance of an emergency brain surgery on a 19-year-old accident victim at the Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia, highlighting the growing capacity of the State’s health institutions to provide advanced and specialised medical care.
The Commissioner for Information disclosed this at a press briefing following the Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, at the Government House, Umuahia.
The 19-year-old, who was involved in a motorcycle accident on Sunday, October 4, 2026, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Medical investigations revealed a massive collection of blood within his skull, placing severe pressure on the brain and requiring immediate neurosurgical intervention.
The emergency operation lasted about four hours, during which more than 100 millilitres of blood clot was evacuated from the patient’s brain and the bleeding controlled. He was subsequently transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for post-operative care and has commenced recovery, including movement of his limbs.

The successful intervention is significant because the availability of appropriate facilities, equipment and specialist personnel enabled the surgery to be performed immediately in Abia, eliminating the potentially fatal delay that could have arisen from referring the patient to another State.
The development is part of the sustained investment by the Otti administration in repositioning the State’s healthcare system over the past three years. Health institutions are being equipped to handle increasingly complex procedures, while specialist personnel are being engaged to strengthen the system’s capacity.

The Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre has also recorded other successful specialised procedures performed by Nigerian specialists. Meanwhile, increasing healthcare investment is attracting support from development partners and international organisations.
A Swedish organisation has facilitated the provision of specialised medical equipment for trauma-related procedures, including orthopaedic, brain and spine surgeries. These interventions are contributing to the development of competency centres capable of providing specialised healthcare within Abia.

In another major healthcare development, the State Government has approved ₦502.1 million as counterpart funding under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, a payment critical to accessing the Federal Government’s allocation under the programme and sustaining healthcare services for vulnerable citizens, particularly pregnant women and children below five years enrolled under the health insurance scheme for vulnerable persons.

The State has also commenced activities for the 2026 World Sight Day, which runs until October 15, with emphasis on eye health, good vision and prevention of avoidable blindness.
The campaign is linking good vision with road safety, particularly among commercial drivers. Free eye screening is being provided at various locations across the State, with the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau collaborating with the Ministry of Transport, the Federal Road Safety Corps and transport unions. A vision corridor will also be unveiled at the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal to make eye assessment more accessible to drivers and encourage regular checks.
Government is equally providing health interventions in communities affected by the recent flooding to reduce health hazards and prevent possible disease outbreaks. During the period under review, no cases were recorded of diseases of public health importance, including Lassa fever, Ebola, diphtheria and COVID-19.

On housing, the application process for houses at Pocket Layout has been oversubscribed, indicating strong interest from Abians and residents. Analysis of the Expression of Interest forms is ongoing as the relevant authorities process the submissions.
The government has also conducted a Needs Assessment of the World Bank Estates in Aba and Umuahia and the IBB Layout in Umuahia. Preliminary interventions are already being undertaken in critical areas, particularly road infrastructure and solar street lighting, alongside other measures addressing needs identified during the assessment.

However, the government has revoked the building permit for TradeMore Housing Estate, Ubani, Umuahia, following the discovery of serious planning and regulatory infractions.
The Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) conducted an inspection following complaints from residents about flooding and defective structures and found that the developer’s original application was for only two structures — a semi-detached two-bedroom bungalow and a three-bedroom bungalow — despite the subsequent development of an entire estate.
The application was also found deficient in critical planning requirements, including survey and site plans, site analysis, layout plan, environmental impact assessment, evidence of administrative fee payments and technical inputs from relevant professionals and government agencies.
The building permit has therefore been revoked, with further steps to address the issues to be communicated.
The UCDA further clarified that although approval for development of the property was granted in March 2015, the developer approached the authority in 2024 seeking approval to build a market on the site. The proposal was rejected because it was inconsistent with the approved agricultural use of the land.
A subsequent inspection found ongoing construction, prompting the authority to issue a stop-work order. Officials attempting to enforce the order were reportedly attacked and rescued through the intervention of Operation Crush. The property has since been sealed and the permits revoked.
Government, however, remains concerned about individuals who may have purchased property within the estate and is working towards resolving the situation, with further communication to follow.

On the persistent flooding in parts of Umuahia, Governor Otti has directed the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee comprising the UCDA and the Ministries of Works, Environment and Lands.
The committee has two weeks to submit a comprehensive report and lasting solution to the perennial flooding affecting Ogurube and Ehimiri layouts.
The administration is seeking a coordinated and sustainable solution to recurring flooding and erosion rather than temporary interventions.


Significant progress has also been recorded on the Emede-Ibeku flood and erosion control project. Clearing of erosion sites is 100 per cent complete, lateral filling is about 90 per cent complete, excavation for drainage approximately 95 per cent complete, while concreting of drainage structures has reached about 90 per cent.
Government expressed optimism that residents of affected communities would soon begin to benefit from the intervention.
The State Government has also issued its Week 40 public health advisory, with specific recommendations for communities affected by flooding. Residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to observe appropriate health and safety measures as government continues efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding and prevent disease outbreaks.

In the area of social protection, the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection has received nine additional Abia indigenes returning from the Republic of South Africa within the past two weeks.
The returnees comprise one adult male, three mothers, four children and one infant, all of whom have been successfully reunited with their families.
The State Government is also preparing to facilitate the return of approximately 100 additional Abia indigenes from South Africa in the coming weeks, with documentation and other arrangements already underway.
The developments reflect the broad approach of the Alex Otti administration to governance, combining investment in specialised healthcare with housing development, infrastructure renewal, flood and erosion control, social protection and enforcement of planning standards.
The growing interest in the Pocket Layout Estate, ongoing interventions in existing residential estates and the expansion of specialised healthcare services further underscore the administration’s stated commitment to improving living conditions and strengthening public institutions.
The emerging New Abia agenda, therefore, extends beyond physical infrastructure to include expanded access to quality healthcare, properly planned residential communities, protection of lives and property, stronger regulatory institutions and responsive government.

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BURNING ISSUE

MAN Commends Otti Administration’s Industrial Reforms, Cites Improvements In Abia’s Business Environment

Published

4 weeks ago

on

October 8, 2026

By

 

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended the administration of Governor Alex C. Otti for significant improvements in Abia State’s industrial and business environment, citing developments in infrastructure, electricity, transportation, urban renewal, healthcare, education and enterprise support.
The commendation was made when the leadership of MAN’s Abia/Imo and Rivers/Bayelsa Chapters paid a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

MAN’s Abia/Imo Chairman, Prince Obasi Ekeagbara, said manufacturers were already witnessing positive changes across several sectors of the State.
The recognition provides an important assessment of the administration’s economic direction, particularly its effort to shift Abia from an economy driven largely by trading and consumption towards one increasingly anchored on production, manufacturing, investment, employment and export competitiveness.

At the centre of the administration’s industrial agenda is the rebuilding of the infrastructure and policy environment required for businesses to operate, expand and compete.
According to MAN, improvements in roads, power, transportation, urban renewal and other critical sectors are beginning to address some of the longstanding constraints faced by manufacturers in Aba and other parts of the State.

Of particular significance is the administration’s drive to revive moribund industrial assets, including the Enyimba Garment Factory, Star Paper Mill and Afro Beverages.
MAN described the revival of such industries as a positive development capable of stimulating economic activity and creating employment, while also strengthening confidence among existing and prospective investors.

The administration has been pursuing improved power supply for industrial operators, including engagement around dedicated electricity through Geometric Power.

For Aba, whose entrepreneurial and manufacturing identity is deeply connected with small and medium-scale production, reliable electricity is critical to reducing operating costs, improving productivity and enabling businesses to compete more effectively.
The administration has also pursued improved access to finance through its partnership with the Bank of Industry. The Abia State Government has provided counterpart funding for a ₦10 billion BOI matching-fund initiative designed to support businesses across various sectors, with the first phase structured around government and BOI contributions.

Another aspect of the emerging business environment is the administration’s drive to harmonise taxation and eliminate multiple taxation. For manufacturers, greater clarity and predictability in revenue administration are essential to investment planning and long-term business decisions.

Governor Otti has equally warned businesses against making cash payments to unauthorised persons, stressing the need for a transparent revenue-collection system.
Beyond infrastructure, electricity and finance, the administration is seeking to strengthen the wider industrial ecosystem through platforms such as the Aba Trade Fair and the Export Growth Lab, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is aimed at helping local producers improve product quality, packaging and competitiveness.

The administration’s position is that government should create the infrastructure, policy direction and enabling environment, while the private sector provides capital, innovation, production capacity and market discipline.

Governor Otti, while receiving the MAN delegation, challenged manufacturers to improve the quality, scale and competitiveness of locally produced goods and position them for wider domestic and international markets.

He urged businesses to take advantage of the opportunities being created by government while ensuring that their products meet acceptable standards.

The MAN delegation, however, also highlighted the broader challenges confronting manufacturers, including high energy costs, inflationary pressures, limited access to foreign exchange, financing difficulties, insecurity and demands from host communities.
The association consequently called for continued efforts to revive more moribund industries, establish industrial clusters across the three senatorial zones, strengthen action against unauthorised levies and provide additional support for distressed industries seeking to return to full production.

The recommendations align with the wider industrialisation agenda already unfolding in the State and underscore the need for sustained collaboration between government and the organised private sector.

For Abia, the significance of the MAN commendation extends beyond a single meeting. It points to an emerging effort to connect infrastructure, electricity, finance, skills, markets and public policy around the productive capacity of the State.

With Aba’s longstanding culture of entrepreneurship and manufacturing, the administration is seeking to transform that resilience into a more structured, infrastructure-backed and competitive industrial economy.
The ultimate objective is an Abia where businesses can move beyond survival to produce, employ, expand, compete and export, thereby contributing more substantially to the State’s economic development.

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