•Keyamo
The Minister for Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, is set to inaugurate the construction of an airport at Nsulu, Abia State, on Tuesday next week.
Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this during a press briefing following the weekly Executive Council meeting in Umuahia, reports Vanguard.
He revealed that the project is a collaboration between the federal government and the Abia State Government.
Airport Project Overview
The Commissioner explained that the federal government initially planned to construct an airstrip, but Governor Alex Otti advocated for upgrading it to a full-fledged airport. “The State will contribute by constructing standard runways to accommodate large aircraft,” Kanu said.
He emphasised that the airport, once completed, would significantly enhance Abia’s socio-economic activities and tourism potential.
Educational Initiatives
Kanu also announced plans to build 20 smart schools across the state’s 17 local government areas as part of Governor Otti’s drive to revamp the education sector.
The smart schools will feature interactive boards, internet connectivity, and other modern facilities. Existing schools will be selected for the upgrades, and additional teachers will be employed.
The initiative complements the government’s policy of free and compulsory education for primary to Junior Secondary 3 students, starting January 2025. “This policy aims to ensure there are no out-of-school children in Abia,” Kanu stated.
Health and Infrastructure Updates
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The commissioner highlighted Abia’s preparedness against health challenges, stating that the state has no reported cases of COVID-19 variants, m-pox, diphtheria, or chickenpox.
He also mentioned the renovation of an Emergency Operation Centre by Caritas, which will serve as a hub for disease outbreak coordination.
On infrastructure, Kanu announced the completion of three newly renovated roads in Aba, bringing the total number of roads reconstructed by the administration to 147.
Upcoming Budget Presentation
Governor Alex Otti is expected to present the 2025 appropriation budget to the State House of Assembly on Tuesday, aligning with Abia’s fiscal responsibility and economic development goals.
Enhancing Public Education
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, criticised the substandard nature of some private schools in the state. He asserted that the introduction of smart schools and improved teacher welfare packages, especially in rural areas, would elevate public school standards, potentially drawing students away from private institutions.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, and Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr. Goodluck Ubochi, also participated in the briefing, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transformative governance in Abia State.
