Abia Moves to Deepen Education, Telecoms, Roads, Social Protection

Prince Okey Kanu, (Hon. Commissioner for Information)

The Abia State Government has announced fresh measures to strengthen education, expand telecommunications infrastructure, improve road networks, protect vulnerable citizens and deepen grassroots empowerment across the state.

Speaking with newsmen at the State Government House, the Hon. Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu who revealed the decisions  following the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, OFR, with the government reported significant progress and new interventions across several sectors.

As part of efforts to improve the quality of education in the state, the government will commence a mandatory five-day orientation programme for all newly recruited teachers from September 7 to 12, 2026.

The programme, to be held at Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, and Federal Government Girls’ College, Umuahia, will prepare the new teachers for the responsibilities and expectations of public and civil servants, while acquainting them with the vision and strategic direction of education under the Otti administration.

The teachers are expected to select their preferred training venue through the Ministry of Basic Education’s portal.

The orientation will also expose participants to modern learner-centred teaching methods, digital literacy, classroom technology, data-driven teaching tools, STEM methodologies and vocational alignment.

Experts in the various fields are expected to serve as resource persons during the programme.

The government also disclosed significant progress in its partnership with MTN Nigeria Communications Plc to achieve comprehensive voice and data coverage across Abia.

According to the government, 77 per cent of the newly deployed network sites are currently operational, extending telecommunications services to communities that were previously underserved.

However, vandalisation of some network sites and fibre infrastructure, particularly in parts of Aba, has slowed progress towards achieving the targeted 100 per cent coverage.

The government said it was working with MTN to restore the affected facilities, expressing optimism that full coverage would be achieved in the coming weeks.

Among the areas benefiting from the new infrastructure are the Aba-Umuahia Road axis in Isiala Ngwa South; Umuako Health Centre in Isiala Ngwa North; St. Theresa’s School axis in Umuahia South; Osondi-Ikpo-Ndagbo-Nkporo in Ohafia; Umuozo Community and Ikeduru Street in Aba; Osisioma; Isiaku Primary Health Centre; and Alayi.

The government appealed to residents and communities to protect the telecommunications infrastructure against vandalism.

It said full telecommunications coverage would not only improve communication and internet access but also contribute significantly to the transformation of Abia’s business and economic landscape.

In the area of infrastructure, the government said direct-labour maintenance works had been carried out at 43 locations across the state during the period under review.

Two projects were completed, including the rainy-season maintenance of the 5.2-kilometre Umuehim-Okpuala Ngwa Road, which traverses Isiala Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas.

Also completed was the 250-metre access road to Chima Ubani Memorial Hospital at the headquarters of Obingwa Local Government Area.

The government disclosed that 26 other road projects remained under contract.

Although rainfall has slowed construction activities at some locations, survey and inspection operations are continuing to ensure compliance with approved road alignments and accurate levels.

The Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection is coordinating the protection, voluntary repatriation and reintegration of Abians affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa.

The government said another batch of returnees was currently being processed, while engagements with leaders of the Abia community in South Africa were ongoing to identify and verify other stranded Abians requiring assistance.

It reiterated its commitment to supporting Abians facing difficult circumstances outside the country and ensuring that those in need are safely repatriated to Nigeria and ultimately reunited with their home state.

The 2026 Abia Women’s August Meeting has also been described as a major shift towards grassroots development and strategic empowerment of women across the state’s 17 local government areas.

The initiative, according to the government, has expanded beyond the traditional cultural and social functions associated with August meetings to include economic empowerment, skills development, social protection, entrepreneurship and targeted support for vulnerable women, particularly widows.

The approach, it said, reflects Governor Otti’s commitment to women’s empowerment and aligns with the First Lady’s agenda for women’s mobilisation, development and sustainable livelihoods.

The government added that the successes and lessons from this year’s programme would be documented to guide future initiatives across the state.

The government also highlighted the activities of the state’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, NCHEDO, which recorded eight cases of sexual and gender-based violence during the period under review.

The survivors were aged between four and 25 years, with reported cases involving alleged abuse by neighbours, landlords, family members and, in one instance, an employer.

Some of the younger survivors were reportedly subjected to repeated assaults by the same alleged perpetrator.

NCHEDO provided medical, psychosocial and legal support to the survivors while collaborating with law enforcement agencies to facilitate justice.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children, women and other vulnerable members of society, stressing that their safety and wellbeing remained a priority.

The administration said it would continue to pursue policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of Abians, strengthening public services, creating opportunities, protecting vulnerable citizens and positioning the state for sustainable economic growth.

It added that the latest interventions were further evidence of its commitment to practical governance and measurable progress across all sectors of the state.