Abia State Government has announced plans for a week-long celebration to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state, with the commissioning of completed projects and the flag-off of new ones.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said the anniversary celebration would be a total departure from the past administration’s traditional format of ceremonies and awards.
He said the Otti led administration has choosen instead to use the occasion to showcase completed projects and launch new development initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of residents.
“Abia Government is poised to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the creation of Abia State.
“This year’s celebration will deviate from the norm in that the Government will use the occasion of the celebration to commission a number of projects; while flagging off new ones.
“Those of us who were here before now will recall that in the past, there used to be a period for some form of jamboree and some awards that some people used to enjoy in the State.
“This time around, the Government will not embark on any such awards.
“Rather, the Government will want to use the opportunity to continue to commission projects, flag off new ones, and generally to improve the living standards of Abia’s citizens”, Prince Kanu disclosed.
He listed some of the projects scheduled for commissioning to include the Obingwa General Hospital and the Cottage Hospital at Abayi, Aba, while other projects such as the flagg off of the Pocket Layout estate in Umuahia, are also expected to feature during the week-long programme.
The commissioner said that the celebration is expected to provide additional impetus to the administration’s development efforts since assuming office.
He added that details of the anniversary programme and other activities lined up for the celebration would be made available to the press in the coming days.
