Abia State Government Forms Committee to Recover Schools and Revamp Water Projects
ABIA – The Abia State Government has established a 7-member Special Committee, led by Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to the Governor, to recover encumbered schools throughout the state.
Prince Okey Kanu, the State Commissioner for Information and Culture, announced that the committee’s membership includes: Professor Uche Eme Uche, Commissioner for Education and Secretary; Mr. Ikechukwu Uwana, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, Commissioner for Lands and Housing; Prince Uzo Nwachukwu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Mr. Kingsley Agomuoh, General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority; Mr. Uche Ukeje, General Manager of the Greater Aba Development Agency; and CSP Ken Nwosu, Chief Security Officer to the Governor.
During a press briefing following this week’s executive council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, Prince Kanu outlined the committee’s mission to identify and recover approximately 180 schools that have been alienated or encumbered. He emphasized that schools previously returned to missionaries by the former administration must be used solely for educational purposes.
Additionally, Prince Kanu revealed that a comprehensive evaluation of the educational sector has been completed. As part of preparations for the new academic year starting in September, 12,000 public school teachers will undergo professional development during the summer.
Work has also commenced at the Federal College of Education in Ofeme, Umuahia North LGA, supported by the state government. The government has facilitated the establishment of an office at Okpara Square for a smooth start of activities.
Prince Kanu further announced a crackdown on vehicles with covered or missing license plates, warning that violators will face penalties.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, detailed the state’s rural electrification efforts, noting the installation of over 2,500 solar-powered lights in areas such as Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia, including Abia State University. The government plans to revive the rural electrification project and distribute 50 transformers to selected communities, along with commencing the overhaul of the Ariaria and Ubakala water projects.
Engr. Monday explained that the water scheme revamp will involve 320 homes each in two separate locations, with funding provided by partners currently selecting contractors for the project.
Responding to rumors about the withdrawal of the staff of office from the newly crowned Eze Aro, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, affirmed that no such court order has been received and the process of issuance remains intact.
Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, announced that his office is producing documentaries to highlight the achievements of Governor Alex Otti across various ministries and agencies, providing visual evidence of the administration’s progress.