Abia State is set to witness a significant boost in its infrastructure and socio-economic prospects as the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, prepares to inaugurate the construction of an airport at Nsulu, Abia State, on Tuesday.
The project, a joint effort between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government, was revealed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing after the weekly Executive Council meeting in Umuahia.
Originally planned as an airstrip, the airport project was upgraded to a full-fledged facility following advocacy by Governor Alex Otti.
The state will provide key infrastructure, including standard runways capable of accommodating large aircraft.
According to Kanu, the airport will serve as a gateway for economic growth and tourism, bolstering Abia’s profile as a strategic hub in the Southeast region.
The airport announcement comes alongside Governor Otti’s broader transformative agenda, particularly in education.
Kanu outlined plans to establish 20 smart schools across the state’s 17 local government areas. These schools will feature state-of-the-art learning tools, including interactive boards and internet connectivity.
Aligned with the government’s policy of free and compulsory education for students from primary school to Junior Secondary 3, the initiative seeks to eliminate out-of-school children in the state by January 2025.
On health, Kanu reported that Abia remains vigilant against emerging health threats, with no recorded cases of COVID-19 variants, m-pox, diphtheria, or chickenpox.
The state’s Emergency Operation Centre has been renovated by Caritas, enhancing its capacity for managing disease outbreaks.
The administration has also made strides in infrastructure, completing 147 roads, including three newly renovated ones in Aba.
These projects aim to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities in the region.
Governor Alex Otti is set to present the 2025 budget to the State House of Assembly, reflecting the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and development.
Meanwhile, the state government is focusing on improving public education.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, highlighted efforts to elevate public school standards by introducing smart schools and better teacher welfare packages.
This move, he said, would address the challenges posed by substandard private schools in the state.
The developments underscore the administration’s dedication to enhancing Abia’s socio-economic landscape.
With projects spanning infrastructure, education, and health, the state is poised for a transformative era under Governor Otti’s leadership.
Abians await the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s journey towards progress and modernization.