The Abia State Government has intensified efforts to empower young people through digital technology training, announcing plans to launch Cohort 3 of its Techrise Youth Empowerment Programme.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this at the Government House in Umuahia while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said that about 1,350 youths had already been trained under Cohorts 1 and 2 of the Abia Techrise programme, noting that many of the beneficiaries are now employed in various organisations, while others have established their own businesses.
He added that a registration portal would soon be opened for interested participants, while further details on the programme would be announced in due course.
Speaking on the state’s mass transit and urban transportation initiative, code-named the “Green Shuttle,” Kanu said the scheme has successfully transitioned into a commercial fare-paying service since March 1, 2026.
He explained that Governor Alex Otti had approved a 50 per cent fare subsidy to support commuters using the service.
According to him, a total of 202,601 passengers have used the mass transit buses from the rollout date of December 24, 2025, to March 8, 2026.
“The subsidy applies to all inter- and intra-city routes currently being operated under the bus service scheme,” Kanu said.
He added that the transition to a commercial service was aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability and operational efficiency of the scheme.
Kanu further explained that with the commercialisation of the mass transit system, commuters would be required to obtain the Abia Connect Card through the e-ticketing platform.
He noted that acquiring the Abia State Social Insurance Number (ABSSIN) has now become a prerequisite for obtaining the Abia Connect Card.
According to him, the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with other state agencies such as the Harmonised Task Force, Homeland Security and the Abia State Road Traffic Management Agency, has been engaging stakeholders in the transport sector.
He said the agencies have also been conducting joint sensitisation and enforcement exercises at various bus stops and shelters across the state to educate commuters about the new system.
To ease the registration process, Kanu said ABSSIN enumerators had been deployed to designated bus shelters and other locations to assist commuters with registration.
Similarly, agents responsible for funding the Abia Connect Cards through the touch-and-pay system have also been stationed at major bus shelters in Aba and Umuahia.
He disclosed that the state currently has 70 bus shelters, with 30 located in Umuahia and 40 in Aba.
According to him, all 30 shelters in Umuahia are already operational, while 38 out of the 40 shelters in Aba are in use, with the remaining two nearing completion.
Kanu also provided an update on road infrastructure projects across the state.
He revealed that the 22.5-kilometre third and final section of the Uzuakoli–Akara–Ohafia Road has been completed, while construction work is ongoing at 31 different locations across the state.
He added that direct labour projects are currently being executed at 49 locations.
According to him, one project was completed during the period under review, while four additional projects have been included in the maintenance schedule of the Ministry of Works.
“The completed project is the reconstruction of the 1.25-kilometre Madonna Hospital Road, off Aba Road in Umuahia,” he said.
Kanu listed the newly added projects to include the construction of a one-kilometre Okporoenyi–Isiegbu Road in Bende, the 4.71-kilometre Akara–Ovim Road in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, and the maintenance of failed sections of the 8.6-kilometre Obinulo–Nkwoagu Junction–Nkwoagu–Isochi Road in Umunneochi Local Government Area.
He also mentioned the maintenance of sections of the 5.2-kilometre Nkwoagu Junction–Nkwoagu–Mbala–Isuochi Road, also in Umunneochi Local Government Area.
Speaking further on the new transport system, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the initiative was still at the pilot stage and would continue to improve over time.
They noted that the introduction of the transport scheme was aimed at reducing the high cost of transportation and curbing the exploitation of commuters and traders by commercial vehicle operators.
According to them, the initiative would also help reduce illegal levies and extortion often imposed on commercial vehicle drivers and tricycle operators, while contributing to improved economic activities across the state.