Abia Govt Says Developmental Initiatives Yielding Results Across Key Sectors

The Abia State Government has said that its ongoing developmental initiatives across critical sectors of the economy are beginning to yield tangible results.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

Kanu noted that the administration’s interventions in power, road infrastructure, tourism and sports development were progressing steadily and positively impacting communities across the state.

On power and public utilities, he said grid extension and power restoration efforts were advancing in several affected areas, particularly in Ukwa East and Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area. He added that power needs assessments had been completed in communities in Ukwa East, while rehabilitation of power lines from Amuvi to Omenuko Bridge had also been concluded.

According to him, the “Light Up Abia” initiative has recorded notable success, with 8,631 solar-powered streetlights procured and 8,457 already installed across 147 communities.

Speaking on road infrastructure, the commissioner revealed that direct labour works were ongoing at 52 locations statewide, while 29 road projects were being handled by contractors. He further disclosed that two direct labour projects — a 540-metre road at Mater Dei Cathedral and a 214-metre emergency maintenance project in Isieketa, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area — had been completed.

He added that new projects, including drainage construction at Awomukwu-Umuosoko Road in Ikwuano and the development of a 265-metre stretch of Ubu Avenue in Ehimiri Housing Estate, Umuahia, had been incorporated into the state’s road maintenance programme.

On sports development, Kanu said the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development had introduced an academic dimension to sports through a partnership with Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, which now offers a National Diploma programme in Sports Management. He noted that the pioneer students had already been matriculated.

“The programme will equip graduates with relevant knowledge and skills in sports development and management, enabling them to lead more productive lives after their active sporting careers,” he said.

Kanu added that the initiative was designed to prepare athletes and sports administrators for sustainable careers beyond active participation.

In the area of tourism, the commissioner announced that the State Executive Council had approved the first phase of retrofitting of the Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu Local Government Area. He explained that the project was aimed at unlocking the state’s tourism potential and positioning Abia as a major destination in Nigeria.

He said the development would enhance Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and create employment opportunities, noting that the first phase would include key visitor infrastructure such as entrance gates, souvenir shops, a town stand, a bush bar and other convenience facilities.

Kanu further disclosed that other tourist attractions, including the Ojukwu Bunker in Umuahia, would undergo renovation and upgrades. He added that the state government, through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, was collaborating with the Federal Government and relevant authorities to upgrade the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker to world-class standards.

On economic development, Kanu revealed that the Abia State Special Sports Economic Zone (ASEZ) was receiving priority attention. He explained that the initiative is designed to harness the creativity of Aba-based artisans in fashion, leatherworks and sportswear production to build a thriving sports merchandising hub serving both local and international markets.

The project, he said, is being implemented through a partnership between the National Sports Commission and the Abia State Government via a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), and is expected to boost revenue generation and create employment opportunities for youths.

Kanu also highlighted early gains from the state’s sports investments, citing Abia’s first-place finish at the maiden South-East Darts Competition and its performance at the Teqball League held at the Aba Sports Club.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, underscored the economic potential of sports, particularly in merchandising. He noted that artisans in Aba possess the capacity to produce high-quality sports gear capable of competing in both local and international markets.

He stressed the importance of integrating education into sports development, noting that academic programmes in sports management would provide athletes with viable career paths after retirement.

“Introducing sports business management education is a major step in securing the future of athletes. It is a significant boost for sports development and also a potential revenue-generating venture,” Ananaba said.