Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, is set to officially flag off the construction of the Abia Airport project at Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, on Tuesday next week.
The event will be graced by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, alongside major stakeholders in the aviation sector.
This announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing on Monday. He explained that while the airport project was initially not a priority for the state, the federal government’s decision to construct an airstrip in Abia led to the state’s collaboration to transform the plan into a full-scale airport.
“This unique partnership will ensure the construction of requisite runways capable of accommodating larger aircraft. All necessary stakeholders are already on board to ensure the project’s success,” Kanu stated.
In addition to the airport project, Governor Otti will present the 2025 Abia State budget estimate to the State House of Assembly on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
The Commissioner also highlighted the governor’s approval of the establishment of 20 smart schools across the state’s 17 local government areas as part of efforts to revamp the education system. This initiative is accompanied by a new law mandating compulsory school attendance for children, effective January 1, 2025. Parents and guardians who fail to comply will face penalties.
Prince Kanu further 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. The facility is expected to serve as a central hub for coordinating responses to public health emergencies.
On infrastructure, the Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Works has completed three new road projects in Aba, including Cemetery Road Phase 2, Umule Road, and Umuocham Road, all slated for commissioning soon. These bring the total number of commissioned roads under Governor Otti’s administration to 20, in addition to 147 rehabilitated roads across Aba, Umuahia, and other parts of the state.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, added that the smart schools initiative would begin with secondary schools, with existing schools retrofitted to meet the required standards.
These developments underline Governor Otti’s commitment to transforming Abia State through strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and public health.
