Abia govt highlights progress in power, roads, tourism, sports

The Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, has said that the developmental initiatives of the present administration across various sectors of the state’s economy are beginning to yield significant results.

Kanu stated this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

On power and public utilities, the commissioner said the government’s grid extension and power restoration programmes were progressing steadily in affected communities, particularly in Ukwa East and Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area.

According to him, power needs assessments have been completed in communities in Ukwa East, while rehabilitation works on power lines from Amuvi to Omenuko Bridge have also been concluded.

Kanu added that notable progress had been recorded under the “Light Up Abia” initiative, revealing that 8,631 solar-powered streetlights had been procured, while 8,457 have already been installed across 147 communities in the state.

On road infrastructure, he said direct labour works are currently ongoing at 52 locations across the state.

He explained that 29 road projects are being executed under contract, while two direct labour projects – including a 540-metre road at Mater Dei Cathedral and a 214-metre emergency maintenance project in Isieketa, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area – have been completed.

Kanu also disclosed that new projects, including drainage construction at Awomukwu-Umuosoko Road in Ikwuano and the development of a 265-metre stretch of Ubu Avenue in Ehimiri Housing Estate, Umuahia, have been added to the state’s road maintenance programme.

Sports development

On sports, the commissioner said the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development had introduced an academic component to sports development through a partnership with Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, which now offers a National Diploma programme in Sports Management.

He said the first set of students for the programme had recently been matriculated at the institution.

“The programme will equip graduates with relevant knowledge and skills in sports development and management, enabling them to live more productive lives after their years of active participation in sports,” Kanu said.

He added that the initiative was designed to prepare athletes and sports managers for sustainable careers beyond active sports.

Tourism

Kanu also announced that the state government had approved the first phase of the retrofitting of the Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu Local Government Area.

He explained that the project was part of efforts to unlock the tourism potential of the state and position Abia as a major tourist destination in Nigeria.

The project, he said, would boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and create employment opportunities.

“This first phase will include the development of key visitor infrastructure such as entrance gates, souvenir shops, a town stand, a bush bar, and convenience facilities to improve accessibility and overall visitor experience,” he said.

The commissioner added that other tourist sites, including the Ojukwu Bunker in Umuahia, would also undergo renovation and upgrades.

He noted that the state government, through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, was collaborating with the federal government and relevant authorities to upgrade the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker to world-class tourism facilities.

Economic development

On economic development, Kanu revealed that the Abia State Special Sports Economic Zone (ASEZ) is receiving priority attention from the government.

He explained that the initiative aims to harness the creativity of Aba-based artisans, particularly those specialising in fashion, leatherworks and sportswear production, to develop a thriving sports merchandising hub serving Abia, Nigeria and the wider African market.

The project, he said, is anchored on a partnership between the National Sports Commission and the Abia State Government through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and is expected to generate revenue through taxation while creating employment opportunities for young people.

Kanu noted that the state’s investments in sports are already producing results, citing Abia’s first-place finish at the maiden South-East Darts Competition and its performance at the Teqball League held at the Aba Sports Club.

Sports as an economic tool

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, highlighted the economic importance of sports, particularly in the area of merchandising.

He noted that artisans in Aba have the capacity to produce high-quality sports gear, including football boots, trainers and gym equipment capable of competing in both local and international markets.

Ananaba also stressed the importance of sports education, saying the introduction of academic programmes in sports management would provide athletes with sustainable career opportunities after retirement.

“Introducing sports business management education is a major step in securing the future of athletes. It is a significant boost for sports development and also a potential revenue-generating venture,” he said.