Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has restated his administration’s commitment to combating insecurity in the state and enhancing safety across schools.
Governor Otti, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, made this statement during the commissioning of the constituency project of the member representing Umunneochi State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Mathias Ume Nwachi, at Nneato Secondary School, Umunneochi LGA.
Abia Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu
While emphasizing the importance of protecting students’ and pupils’ lives, he directed school heads to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
He further declared that the Abia State Government would no longer tolerate the unwarranted encroachment on school lands.
In his words, “Those who have the proclivity of engaging in the unwholesome practices are advised to stay clear or face the full wrath of the law, as no inch of Government-owned schools’ landed property shall be compromised to land grabbers.”
Governor Otti reiterated that providing quality education remains a core mandate of his administration. He revealed that, in line with the government’s education trust policy, free and compulsory education has been introduced in the state. “No more tuition and other payments of any kind are allowed,” he declared.
He added that schooling is now mandatory for all children of school age, warning that parents whose children are found hawking or loitering during school hours would face prosecution.
The Governor commended Hon. Mathias Ume Nwachi for prioritizing education in his constituency projects and urged him to maintain the momentum in line with the government’s emphasis on the educational sector.
In his speech, Hon. Mathias Ume Nwachi expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for approving and releasing funds for the project. He noted that the five-classroom block was completed in record time by a committee led by Rt. Hon. Obi Anyaoha.
According to him, “The constitution of the Umunneochi Constituency Project Implementation Committee was headed by Rt. Hon. Obi Anyaoha, in fulfillment of one of my campaign promises to the people of Umunneochi, and most importantly to align with His Excellency’s vision of prudence, transparency, and accountability.”
He thanked Governor Otti for his love and support for Umunneochi people, highlighting efforts such as tackling banditry and kidnapping through Operation Crush, appointing Umunneochi members to strategic positions, rehabilitating major roads, and initiating other notable projects.
Hon. Nwachi also announced continuous programs for Umunneochi’s welfare, including annual payment of WAEC/NECO fees for students, and a four-year bursary scheme for selected undergraduates from 2024 to 2027.
Earlier, the Principal of Nneato Senior Secondary School, Mr. Ihionu J.I., in his welcome address, commended Governor Otti for his determination to revive the education sector. He highlighted achievements such as regular payment of teachers’ salaries, extension of service periods for teachers, exemption of teachers from the eight-year directorship policy, and the introduction of free and compulsory education.
However, he appealed to the Governor to address challenges like dilapidated buildings and the lack of security personnel, which pose a threat to existing infrastructure.
He also thanked Hon. Mathias Ume Nwachi for his responsible representation, rehabilitation efforts, and the decision to pay WAEC fees for 2025 candidates in public schools within Umunneochi LGA, describing it as a commendable support for the state’s free education policy.
The event’s highlight was the commissioning of the classroom blocks by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu.
