Abia State Government has announced that the 30 Electric Buses currently being fabricated in China will arrive in the State around November this year.
The buses form part of Governor Alex Otti’s administration’s Mass Transit Scheme aimed at improving public transportation across the State.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this known while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by Governor Otti.
He disclosed that routes for the buses have already been mapped out, with all necessary logistics put in place to ensure the smooth commencement of the scheme.
“The Abia State Mass Transit Transport Scheme that involves the procurement of Electric Vehicles is ongoing.
“In the.efforts to deliver on this project, the State Government has paid for the procurement of the buses. The buses are being fabricated in China and will be delivered around November 2025 this year.
“The routes for the buses have been marked out and all necessary logistic support put in place in readiness for the successful take-off of the scheme”, the Commissioner disclosed.
Prince Kanu who highlighted developments in the State’s Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Sector revealed that a talent hunt programme, scheduled for 25th July, will be held to identify artistic and other creative talents across the 17 Local Government Areas.
He added that the initiative is designed to promote youth inclusion and grassroots empowerment.
“This program, of course, will foster youth inclusion and grassroots empowerment of our youth population, which forms part of the State Government’s broader commitment to build a vibrant creative economy.
“This program further underscores the State Government’s commitment to cultural innovation with the engagement and global visibility of Abia’s creative potential in line with the vision of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti. Abia State has begun formal proceedings to position Aba as a UNESCO Creative City.
“In consultation with UNESCO, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy are key holders. A delegation is set to visit Aba this week for early-stage assessments of Aba. This strategic move aims to elevate Aba’s creative profile globally while aligning with global standards”, he said.
On road infrastructure, Prince Kanu noted that construction work is progressing at most sites across the state despite the heavy rainfall.
The Commissioner stated that out of 53 ongoing projects, eight have recently been completed, while six new roads have been added to the list.
He listed the newly completed roads to include Chief Nkoro Street in Abayi Aba, the reconstruction of Amefu Road in Obingwa LGA, the construction of Afikpo Road in Aba, off Aguiyi Ironsi Layout, and Ugba-Ibeku in Umuahia, as well as Eluama Road in Uzuakoli, among others.
