The Abia State Government has announced that its newly established Materials Testing Laboratory is fully installed and operational, to promote quality standards in the construction sector.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday, and confirmed that the facility has commenced operations with capacity for a wide range of services.
“We are happy to announce that that Laboratory is fully installed and is up and running now.
“The lab has the capacity for the following services: concrete testing, soil testing, aggregate testing, asphalt flexible pavement testing, steel reinforcement testing, non-destructive testing, and field testing, among so many other capabilities,” he said.
Kanu explained that the laboratory was established to ensure very high quality of engineering and building projects in the state.
He added that the development is in line with Governor Otti’s determination to improve infrastructure standards and reduce the risks associated with substandard construction.
On Youth Empowerment, the Commissioner revealed that the Abia TechRise ICT Training Cohort 2 has reached an advanced stage, with verification of 850 applicants concluded across local government areas.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the training for successful candidates will commence on 25th September 2025.
“This programme, of course, is part of the State Government’s agenda to empower our teeming youth with ICT skills. We prepare them to be relevant in the 21st century.
“Of course, we know that this programme will increase the state’s digital workforce, will increase youth empowerment and digital literacy, and generally enhance opportunities for further job creation in the state.
“If you recall also, the first cohort, when they graduated, His Excellency graciously offered automatic employment to 19 of those participants. I believe in this second cohort, it will be no different,” Kanu noted.
The Commissioner announced that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in collaboration with Local Government Councils, is implementing the East Agricultural Intervention Project.
He explained that the scheme would not only boost food security but also create employment opportunities for the people.
Prince Kanu further disclosed that the state government would soon commence the construction of four prototype markets across the 17 local government areas.
According to the Commissioner, each market would feature 40 open stalls with solar-powered lighting, borehole facilities, conveniences, and solar-powered phone charging points.
“This project, no doubt, will increase local trade, thereby expanding the economic opportunities available for rural dwellers.
“It will also promote women and youth entrepreneurship at the grassroots and reduce rural-urban migration by providing opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in rural communities,” he explained.
Contributing, the GM, Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, while confirming that the Materials Laboratory is located at the UCDA Headquarters, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, said that the Laboratory came as a response to the incessant building collapse across the state and vowed that the State Government would curb substandard construction.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, was part of the briefing.
