Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - The Abia State Government has installed a materials testing laboratory within the premises of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority as part of efforts to curb the rising cases of building collapse.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, announced this
on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State
Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He said the facility is equipped for concrete, soil,
aggregate, asphalt, and steel reinforcement testing, as well as non-destructive
and field testing.
“The installation of this lab will ensure very high quality
of engineering and building projects in the state. That is the very essence of
its establishment,” Kanu said
He added that the project, first announced earlier this
year, is now fully installed and operational.
The commissioner also disclosed that preparations for the
second cohort of the state’s Information Communication Technology programme
were almost complete.
Out of 850 applicants, verification has been concluded
across local government areas, and training will begin on September 25.
“This programme will increase the state’s digital workforce,
empower youths, and generally enhance job creation,” he said.
He noted that 19 participants from the first cohort were
given automatic employment, adding that successful trainees in this round are
encouraged to share their knowledge with others.
On agriculture, Kanu revealed that the Ministry of Local
Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in partnership with LGAs, is rolling out
the Ease Agricultural Intervention Project to boost food security and
employment.
As part of the initiative, prototype markets will be
constructed across the 17 LGAs, beginning within a fortnight. Each market will
feature 40 open stalls, solar-powered lighting, borehole facilities, public
conveniences, and charging stations.
“The project will expand local trade, promote rural
entrepreneurship, reduce rural-urban migration, and improve access to fresh
produce,” Kanu explained.
He further announced that the Abia Soccer Fest competition
is ongoing across all LGAs. Community-level knockout rounds have been
concluded, and matches are underway to determine area champions.
“This project is structured to empower youths through
sports, discover raw talent, and strengthen community engagement,” he said.
In the health sector, the commissioner disclosed that 25 out
of 33 targeted primary healthcare centres have been “functionalised” and are
fully operational. So far, 42 PHCs have been equipped, with eight more expected
to be completed this week, bringing the total to 50.
He added that the state is on track to functionalise 200
PHCs under its phased programme.
Kanu also revealed that plans have reached advanced stages
to revitalise Abia Hotels Limited in Umuahia as part of the government’s agenda
to recover moribund state-owned assets.
“The recovery process is ongoing, and further details will
be made public in due course,” he said.
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