The Abia State Executive Council has approved the increase in the number of the State’s Electric-Powered Mass Transit buses to be procured from 20 to 40, along with an increase in charging stations from 10 to 20.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Prince Kanu, “Out of the first 20 buses that will arrive in November, 12 will operate in Aba, while 8 will operate in Umuahia.
“From the additional 20 buses ordered by the State Government, some will operate on the Ohafia-Bende axis of the State”.
The Commissioner while noting that one of the electric bus samples was ready for inspection at the end of July, expressed optimism that the arrival of the buses would strengthen the ongoing revolutionary transformation of the transport sector in the State.
Prince Kanu further revealed that as part of the State Governments effort to support the transport sector, work is ongoing on the construction of Bus terminals in Aba and Umuahia, as well as junction improvement and the installation of bus shelters along designated routes.
On youth development, the Commissioner said the State Government through the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, in collaboration with Ethnocentric Ltd, has onboarded 1,200 Abia youths for the second cohort of the Skills Acquisition Program in garments and leather works.
“This program is designed to equip our youths with skills in garment making and leather works. The program so far has attracted over $3 million worth of sponsorship funding from the MasterCard Foundation.
“This huge injection of sponsorship funds into the Abia State economy is due largely because of the sterling governance credentials of His Excellency Dr. Lex Otti and how Abia State is currently perceived, not just in Nigeria but around the world”, Prince Kanu stated.
He further revealed that the State has launched the Abia State Creative Talent Hunt, an initiative targeting young innovators, especially in the music and digital creativity sectors.
Prince Kanu, highlighted preparations for this year’s Youth Week celebration themed “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future”, scheduled for 6th to 12th August, as well as the acquisition of a wheelchair-accessible bus to convey disabled athletes to the upcoming international sports championships.
“The Sports and Youth Development Ministry is working assiduously towards the celebration of this year’s Youth Day, slated for the 6th to 12th of August 2025.
“This year’s theme is titled Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future. A number of activities have been lined up for this year’s celebration.
“A youth assembly, symposium and interstate youth exchange visit, among others, formed the programs for this year’s celebration”, the Commissioner stated.
He also revealed that three Abian-born players of the Super Falcons, who played key roles in Nigeria’s recent victory over Morocco at the WAFCON will be honoured by the State in December following their return from club duties in Europe.
On the Health front, Prince Kanu said that recruitment into the State’s Healthcare workforce is ongoing, with over 1,600 applications received so far and encouraged more qualified personnel to apply before the portal closes on 9th August.
“We therefore wish to use this medium to encourage more qualified medical personnel to apply for positions that are available, ranging from positions for nursing officers, medical laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, dental technologists, medical radiographers, optometrists, pharmacists, and medical/ dental officers”.
He said that efforts are ongoing to produce an all-year-round cultural compendium, which will include a calendar of festivals, licensed hotels, tourist attractions, and recreational spots across the state. The move is aimed at boosting tourism and investment in the hospitality sector
He said that the State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy is compiling an all-year-round book featuring cultural festivals, compendium of cultural festivals, calendar, key heritage sites, licensed hotels and tourist attractions and recreational sites across the state, adding that the move is aimed at boosting tourism and investment in the hospitality sector.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuruibe,
highlighted the State Government’s commitment to harnessing the creative potentials of young Abians through targeted programmes and initiatives.
Mr Ekwuribe disclosed that the application portal for the TALENT HUNT programme which opened on 25th July, will close on 18th August 2025 and called on interested youths to apply via the State website, abiastate.gov.ng
He stated that the programme is open to individuals with tourism-inspired works, visual arts, talents in music, innovative engineering and digital creativity with tangible impact.
“We expect those that can maybe submit some tourism-inspired pieces and their visual arts.
“Digital creativity with physical impacts. Maybe those that can discover or build or curate something like maybe a flying helicopter, aircrafts, vehicles, and so many other things”.
He added that the current compilation of a comprehensive Cultural compendium by his ministry would also feature tourist attractions, licensed hotels, bars, eateries, clubs and lounges across the state to serve as a guide for tourists and residents and on the hoteliers to ensure that their hotels are registered with the State Ministry.
