The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, will on Tuesday next week, in the company of the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, flag off the Abia airport project located in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North LGA of the state.
The Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this announcement while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council Meeting, which was presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
“Initially, this was not a priority project for the state government, but when the federal government decided to build an airstrip in Abia State, His Excellency decided to partner with the federal government to convert the airstrip into a full airport project through his forward-thinking disposition and vision.
“This unique partnership will lead to the construction of the requisite runways that will accommodate larger aircraft once completed,” Prince Kanu stated.
He added that key stakeholders, including the federal government, are fully committed to ensuring the success of the project.
Prince Kanu also announced that the Governor would on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, present the 2025 Abia State Budget Estimate to the Abia State House of Assembly, emphasizing that this exercise aligns with the state government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainable development.
The Information Commissioner further disclosed that the Governor has approved the establishment of 20 smart schools across the 17 LGAs of the state, as part of ongoing efforts to revamp the education system. Additionally, the retrofitting of schools is still in progress.
According to him, the new law mandating compulsory school attendance for children will take effect on January 1, 2024. Under this law, it will be an offense for any parent or guardian in the state to fail to send their children or wards to school. He also noted that the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, has been directed to implement necessary measures to enforce compliance.
The Information Commissioner confirmed that the new COVID-19 variant, XEC, has not been detected in the state, and Abia has been declared free of diphtheria, Mpox, and cholera by the Centre for Disease Control.
Prince Kanu also revealed 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. This facility will serve as a central hub for coordinating responses to public health emergencies.
Regarding road infrastructure, the Commissioner announced 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 noted that these 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 labor in Aba, Umuahia, and other parts of the state.
Prince Kanu assured residents and visitors of adequate security measures during the Yuletide season, adding that preparations are underway to ensure a safe and joyous holiday for all.
In his contribution, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, stated that the smart schools will initially focus on secondary schools. Existing schools will be retrofitted for the purpose, and teachers’ skills will be upgraded.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ukoha Njoku Ukoha and other top government officials were present during the briefing.
