The Abia State Government (ABSG) has entered into a partnership with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to develop regulations for the operation of mini-grids in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu explained that the ISA is an intergovernmental treaty-based organisation with 123 member countries, noting that the collaboration formed part of the State Government’s agenda to play a major role in the power sector through significant investments by attracting private capital.
“This collaboration will enable ISA to support the State Government through the use of power and public utilities to establish a thriving environment that will attract investments and sustain solar power projects in the state, thereby driving growth and mitigating climate change”, Prince Kanu said.
The Commissioner added that, following the signing into law of the State Electricity Law 2025, the State Government is now positioned to fully explore the state’s electricity value chain to drive industrial growth.
“To this effect, the State Government is participating in the Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES).
“This is a $750 million World Bank intervention and renewable energy development programme. The State Government will have the opportunity to participate in this programme and it will in no small way boost the electricity sector of the state”, Prince Kanu stated.
On Environmental Management, he revealed that the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has deployed 2.7-tonne receptacles across Aba and Umuahia.
According to him, these receptacles are smaller than those previously used, making them more suitable for navigating narrow streets.
He further disclosed that ASEPA has commenced a massive clean-up of major waterways and drainages around Umuahia, particularly from Afara through to Isiala Ngwa.
“The waterways need to be cleaned and opened up to prevent the flooding of those areas of the city during the rainy season. There have been some predictions that some areas of the state are susceptible to floods.
“What ASEPA is doing is looking at areas where you have drainages that are blocked. They are opening them up to ensure that if by chance the rains come very heavy, the cities of Umuahia and other parts of the state would not be flooded”, Prince Kanu stated.
On Health Sector recruitment, Prince Kanu disclosed that a total of 1,983 applications had been received for the ongoing recruitment of health workers.
The Commissioner disclosed that out of the 1,983 applications, 1,348 applicants have so far been shortlisted, while the process is still ongoing.
He said a Computer-Based Test (CBT) would be conducted between 26th and 30th August, while successful candidates would be interviewed between 2nd and 16th September 2025.
He added that the Civil Service Commission has also advertised for contract consultants, primary consultants and medical officers, with the portal for applications closing on 30th August 2025.
Also present at the briefing were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Engr Kachi Etuluo, and the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Pastor Mrs Eno Jerry-Eze.
