In a bid to boost economic growth and attract investments, the Abia State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to fostering an enabling environment for private businesses to thrive within the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture Prince Okey Kanu who stated this while briefing Newsmen on the outcome of this week’s Executives Council Meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, disclosed that the Geometric Power Generation Company; a private owned business, would be commissioned on the 24th of this month.
The Commissioner, noted that the project underscores the state government’s commitment to attracting increased investment, stimulate job creation, and propel Abia State towards greater socio-economic advancement in the years ahead.
Prince Kanu emphasized that the Geometric Power Generation Company would significantly benefit Abians, especially the Aba business Community by addressing the long standing challenge of power supply and enhancing the local businesses environment, and added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to commission the project.
“The Geometric Power project has underscored the more than passing interest of the state government in ensuring that that project comes to fruition.
“In fulfillment of the State Government’s commitment to create enabling environment for private businesses to thrive, government has worked assiduously behind the scenes to ensure that that project is realized because when that plant comes on stream, it will benefit our people.
“Of course, you know what that project means to our people. It would help Aba residents and the business community and environs a great deal because power has been a great challenge to Aba and some parts of the state. Once that plant is commissioned, quite a lot of things will change in Aba business environment”, the Commissioner assured.
He disclosed that the state government, in line with its commitment to facilitating business activities, has expedited the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy with two hundred C of O’s already signed off.
Prince Kanu pointed out that the initiative aligns with the government’s goal of ensuring a streamlined process for Land acquisition with a maximum turnaround time of 30 days for C of O applications.
On Education,the Commissioner reiterated the state government’s stance on educational integrity in Schools across the state and urged Principals and Head Teachers to desist from renting out school premises for events during week days.
He noted that despite repeated warnings by government, some individuals have continued this practice thus causing distractions to students and warned of strict enforcement of relevant laws against those who persists in breaching government’s directive.
Kanu who also announced that Exco frowned at the attitude of some private schools proprietors who have reopened their schools without the required minimum standard by government, described such actions as breach of government’s directives, and urged offenders to immediately close such schools or risk government sanctions.
He said that the state government has vowed to recover all landed properties acquired contrary to laid down procedures, adding that some acquisitions may receive government leniency if they follow due process while fraudulent acquisitions will be met with legal repercussions.
On Security, the Information Commissioner, said efforts are on to enhance security around Umunneochi through the construction of a perimeter fence for the Lokpanta market which will remain operational on a daily basis.
On the promise of increased worker’s salary by Governor Alex Otti, to cushion the prevailing economic hardship, the Information boss, urged Abia workers to be patient with government as their welfare is topmost priority for the state government.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche said that Primary school teachers especially from Umunneochi area who have salary issues with previous administration will soon be cleared as a meeting had been held in that regard.
She emphasized that the ban of weekday ceremonies on school premises is still in force, and affirmed the state government’s commitment to assessing needs and recruiting teachers, particularly in science and other vital subjects.
Also, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije while elaborating on the proposed Arungwa Trailer Park, highlighted that the project when completed would decongest traffic in Osisioma, Umuikaa, and Owerinta axis as well as generate revenue for the state and dismissed allegations linking the project to RUGA establishment.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr Chris Onwuegbu was present during the Exco Briefing.
