...Records Milestones in Health, Housing, Power and Security

The Abia State Government has announced plans to launch a transformative 25-Year Greater Aba Master Plan, as part of its strategic blueprint to reposition Aba as a model commercial city. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Prince Okey Kanu, following the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held earlier this week.

The master plan, developed in collaboration with the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) and UN-Habitat, is built on four key pillars: road infrastructure and connectivity, economic development focused on industrial and commercial upgrades, sustainable urban expansion, and a robust flood resilience framework.

According to the Commissioner, the plan is part of the broader agenda of Governor Alex Otti’s administration to drive sustainable development across the state.

●Healthcare: Coverage Expansion and ICU Launch

Significant progress was also recorded in the health sector, as the state’s Social Health Insurance Scheme crossed the 91,000 enrollee mark. With 91,227 residents now covered, the government has approved the scheme\'s extension to the informal sector, with a second rollout phase expected soon.

The Commissioner also announced the commissioning of a fully equipped Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Abia State Diagnostic Centre in Umuahia, describing it as a major milestone in emergency healthcare delivery. He further stated that there are currently no reported cases of mpox, diphtheria, cholera, or Lassa fever in the state.

Additionally, under the ‘Project Ekwueme’ initiative, a new Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Ngwu, Bende Local Government Area will be commissioned this Friday. This brings the total number of completed PHCs to four out of the 200 projected across the state.

●Housing Development: Eight New Estates in Pipeline

On housing, the government is set to break ground on four new estates: Valley View, Mgbarakuma, Mbaisii, and Obehe. Four additional estates under Phase 2 are also under development, demonstrating Governor Otti’s commitment to addressing the state’s housing deficit.

●Infrastructure: Power Restored at ABSU, Hostel Upgrades Near Completion

In the education sector, Phase 1 of the power restoration project at Abia State University (ABSU) has been completed, with several areas of the campus already receiving electricity. Renovation of student hostels is nearing completion, with electrical and plumbing work finalized.

●Security: Umunneochi Crisis Response

Responding to recent security incidents in Umunneochi, the state government confirmed the full deployment of security agencies to restore order. The administration reiterated its resolve to fully activate all arms of the state’s security architecture to ensure the protection of lives and property.

●Power Sector Reform: Abia Sets Up Independent Electricity Regulator

In a landmark reform move, the state has initiated the process of assuming control over electricity regulation within its borders. This involves transferring oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the newly formed Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA), a step expected to grant the state full control over power generation, distribution, metering, and transmission.

●Water Project: Aba Water Scheme Rehabilitation to Begin

Also on the agenda is the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Christ the King Cathedral (CKC) Aba Water Scheme. Once completed, the scheme will supply potable water to Aba and surrounding communities, fulfilling a key campaign promise by Governor Otti.

The government reaffirmed its dedication to good governance, infrastructure renewal, expanded healthcare access, power sector transformation, and sustainable urban growth for the benefit of all Abians.