Prince Okey Kanu, the state’s information commissioner, announced that the Abia State government has purchased a few electric vehicles for its mass transit transportation program.
After the State Executive Council meeting, Okey Kanu briefed reporters in Umuahia, stating that the vehicles are being manufactured in China and would be delivered to the state in November 2025.
According to the commissioner, all the logistical support required for the scheme’s effective launch has been set up, and the bus routes have been laid out.
Speaking about the state government’s efforts to promote Ndigbo culture, the head of state information said that the State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy would begin a creative talent program in 17 LGAs of the state on July 25, 2025, in keeping with the cultural revolution the governor is advocating.
According to him, the program will promote youth inclusion and grassroots empowerment of the state’s youth population. Its purpose is to scout for artistic and other creative skills throughout the state’s 17 LGAs.
According to Prince Kanu, “this program further underscores the state government’s commitment to cultural innovation with the engagement and global visibility of Abia’s creative potential in line with His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti OFR.”
He announced that Abia State has started the official process of designating Aba as a UNESCO Creative City, adding that a delegation will be visiting Aba this week to conduct preliminary evaluations of the city. The strategic move aims to raise Aba’s creative profile internationally while adhering to international standards.
Regarding the ongoing water crisis in Abia, Kanu stated that Dr. Alex Otti, the state governor, will officially launch the Aba Regional Water Scheme’s rehabilitation at CKC Aba on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, as part of his campaign pledge to bring drinkable water back to Abians’ homes in the state’s cities and communities.
He insisted that the governor will also introduce the Integrated Wash Accelerator Programme (IWAP), a scheme aimed at reviving water sanitation and hygiene in the state. It will be held on Wednesday at the recently built Wash Facility at Okigwe Park in Umuahia.
The commissioner of Abia said that the Federal Government’s declaration of a public holiday in the wake of President Muhammadu Buhari’s death has caused some of the events scheduled to be launched by Governor Otti to be postponed.
“There will be three significant events between Aba and Umuahia on July 16, 2025,” he stated. His Excellency will officially launch the Aba Regional Water Scheme’s renovation there in Aba.
The project needs to be rehabilitated in order to regain its performance and sustainability due to the infrastructure failure, poor operations, and inadequate maintenance.
“The state government gave Vena Cava Limited the contract to redesign the water plan as part of the project’s initial phase, in accordance with the governor’s directive to supply Aba with drinkable water.
Earlier that same Wednesday, July 16, 2025, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti will also introduce the Integrated Wash Accelerator Program (IWAP), which aims to restore water sanitation and hygiene in the state.
“The facility’s goal is to serve the state’s present and future development demands by offering safe, easily accessible, and sustainable water sanitation services.
“Through the Abia Integrated Wash Accelerator Program, the initiative is in accordance with His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti’s mandate to achieve Zero Defecation in Abia State, which is the sixth Sustainable Development Goal of the UN.
Prince Kanu said, “The program will involve the construction, operation, and maintenance of modern water facilities powered by solar energy.”
Regarding electricity, the commissioner revealed that Otti would put into service 430 kW of battery storage and 150 kV solar power. This project aims to reduce dependency on grid electricity, which will reduce diesel consumption and promote sustainability, while also powering state health facilities with solar energy.
The head of Abia Information revealed that around N4.1 billion was realized from the trust fund’s launch, which took place last week.
He claims that in keeping with the government’s beautification and urban redevelopment initiative, which involves designated public areas and roads, rural artworks are presently being developed at Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, FMC Umuahia, and Osisioma junction (Flyover) in Aba, among other locations.
Additionally, he stated that there are already 53 areas throughout the state where direct level work is being conducted.
Engr. Ikechukwu, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, said in his contribution on Monday that the governor is committed to bringing pipe-borne water back to Abia state households.
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He listed the three main water systems in Aba that are scheduled for renovation: Ogbor Hill, CKC, and Ariaria.
“We’ve begun awarding contracts,” he said. Therefore, the Aba Regional Water Scheme, which consists of three water schemes that form and support the entire Aba network, would be the primary area of concentration.
“We project that the first phase, which involves redesigning the water infrastructure to provide well-treated water that satisfies World Health Organization standards, will be finished in six months.
The second step is to enter the reticulation, for which we have already prepared the request for quotations. And it will include testing and distributing the water transmission lines that need to be rehabilitated in Aba. Therefore, we will take them gradually.
Additionally, Mr. Matthew Ekwuruibe, Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, noted that his ministry is now painting murals as part of the state government’s beautification effort and will shortly be building monuments.
In the United States, we initiated a beautifying effort. There is a change if you drive by FMC Gate and Osisioma Flyover. Additionally, we plan to paint murals in some of these locations.
In addition, we’ll start building monuments in key states to make sure we support our principal’s efforts.
Additionally, we’ve started the formal Creative Talent Hunt launch in all 17 LGAs. You understand why I am discussing talents. Today, it would be impossible to discuss Nigerian talent without bringing up Aba. Talent is abundant in Aba. “It’s the home of curatives,” Ekwuruibe said.
