Abia State Executive Council under the Chairmanship of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has approved the sum of N150m (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) support to traders that have been relocated from Ariaria International Market and Ahia Ohuru Market both in Aba through Abia SME Bank, ABN TV reports.

The Exco also reviewed and approved further release of funds for the new Government House project in Umuahia to ensure realization as scheduled.

In addition, the Council also approved funding for fortifications, remodeling, and completion of work at the Mother & Child Specialist Hospital, Umuahia.

These were part of resolutions reached at the State Executive Council Meeting held at the Exco Chambers of Government House, Umuahia, on 26th October, 2021, a minute of meeting obtained by ABN TV reveals.

The meeting was also attended by the 27 newly appointed Commissioners in the State who were sworn in on Tuesday at Micheal Okpara auditorium in Umuahia by the Governor.

The resolutions are subject to approval of the state House of Assembly.

Read full resolutions below:

1. Council approved the bifurcation of Abia State Ministry of Education into Ministry of Basic Education and Ministry of Post Basic Education

2. Council approved the conversion of the following institutions, subject to approval by the State House of Assembly, to Universities as follows:

a. Abia State Polytechnic to become Abia State University of Science and Technology, Aba.

b. Abia State College of Education Arochukwu to become Abia State University of Education, Arochukwu.

c. Abia state College of Health Sciences and Management Studies to become Abia State University of Health Science and Management Studies, Aba

3. Exco directed the expedition of procurement processes for the establishment of Abia State Automated Garment factory, Aba, with more than 500 new jobs expected at take off in December 2021

4. Exco approved special funding for Abia State Scholarship Board to enable them deliver more foreign scholarships to desiring Abia Students as well as award local scholarships

5. Exco reviewed and approved further release of funds for the new Government House project in Umuahia to ensure realization as scheduled

6. Exco directed the expeditious completion of work at the new JAAC building in Umuahia

7. Exco approved valuation of outstanding work at Ohobo Afara Housing estate and private public partnership arrangement to complete and allocate the buildings to Abians.

8. Council approved the rationalization and development of the land behind NTA Aba through public private partnership.

9. Council approved the renaming of two Technical Schools in the state as follows:
a. Boys Technical College, Aba, now to be known as Government Technical College, Aba

b. Secondary Technical College, Afara, now to be known as Government Technical College, Afara

10. Council approved funding for fortifications, remodeling and completion of work at the Mother & Child Specialist Hospital, Umuahia.

11. Exco approved the award of the following contracts:

a. Reconstruction of 8km failed Numya Junction/Eluama Ogboro Road, with side drains and basement in Isuikwuato LGA by Constar Nigeria Ltd

b. Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of 9 nos of roads in Umuahia as follows:

i. Umuezeagwu-Mbom Road ii. Nkata-Amaeke Road
iii. Ahiaeke Okwuta-Bende Road
iv. Agbo-Umueze Road
v. Umueze-Mbom Road
vi. Umuoji Road
vii. Umuafai-Lodu-Ahiaeke Road
viii. Mgboko Road
ix. Amuzukwu-Mbom Road all in Umuahia North LGA, measuring 25.4km and awarded to Pumeco Industries Nig Ltd

c. Upgrade of Umuahia Township Stadium in Umuahia LGA by Aron Nigeria Limited

d. Construction of 1.2km Umuola-Umuobasi Road, Aba North LGA by Track-Care Global Company Nig. Limited

e. Reconstruction of 6.2km Ukpakiri Abayi Okoroafor-Umuotutu Ntighaizor Road in Obingwa LGA by Track-Care Global Construction Company Nig Ltd

f. Repair and Overlay of 2.5km failed sections along Opobo Junction/Emelogu and Azumiri Road, Obingwa LGA by Track-Care Global Construction Company Limited

g. Construction and Erosion Control of 0.875km Jesus Corpers Road with concrete drain, beside House of Assembly, Umuahia North LGA awarded to Ojez Integrated Services Ltd

h. Construction of 4.3km Umuopara Amano Isingwu to Mgboko Itungwa in Obingwa LGA by Track-Care Global Construction Coy Ltd

i. Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of 2.3km Road at Clifford University, Ihie in Isiala Ngwa North LGA

j. Rehabilitation and desilting of drain and reconstruction of Median at Azikiwe Road Aba South LGA measuring 2.15km

k. Procurement of essential vehicles for Government House, Umuahia and Lagos Laison Office

l. Reconstruction of 850m Ehi Road, Aba South LGA by Sannan Jadoon International Company Ltd

m. Reconstruction of 700m Cameron Road, Aba South LGA by Sannan Jadoon International Company Ltd

n. Construction of 6km road linking Ugwunagbo LGA Headquarters to Amapu with a spur to Umuchima Secondary School junction, by Medak Developers Investment Limited

o. Reconstruction of Umuchima Eluelu Road, Umuoram Ahia, Umuahia South LGA , off Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway by ID and S Limited

p. Rehabilitation of 1km Owerri Road, Umuahia North LGA by Surez Global Resources Limited

12. Council approved N150m (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) support to traders that have been relocated from Ariaria International Market and Ahia Ohuru Market both in Aba through Abia SME Bank

13. Council approved expedition of work at Ntigha Dry Port and partnership with existing port concessionaire

14. Council approved relocation of street beggars to existing homes with skill acquisition and primary education facilities

15. Council expressed satisfaction with the procurement of 4 new purpose built mobile clinics with facilities for child care, ultra sound and full theatre units

16. Council approved setting up of new ultra modern diagnostic center for Abia North Zone and another one to be located at Aba General Hospital with kidney and heart center at the latter in addition to a poly clinic, doctors quarters and new VVIP ward

17. Council approved modalities for payment of outstanding salaries owed senior secondary school teachers, ABSUTH and AbiaPoly workers before the end of the year.

Thank you.

Chief John Okiyi Kalu
Honorable Commissioner for Information, Abia State
26/10/2021

Traffic And Indiscipline Management Agency Of Abia State (TIMAAS) has appealed to road users attempting to access Aba main town from Osisioma/Aba Owerri Road to be patient over the gridlock in that axis.

The agency says this is due to ongoing re-construction work along Aba-Owerri Road, which led to the temporary closure of one part of the road.

In a release made available to ABN TV by the General Manager of TIMAAS, Cmdr. Bright Chinedu Ikeokwu, expressed regret over the patience, saying efforts are on to expedite the re-construction work.

According to Comrade Ikeokwu, the remaining part is spacious enough to carry the traffic, noting that it requires patience and discipline while driving through these areas.

He said, “As part of measures to ameliorate the situation, Cmdr. Ikeokwu directs the Closure of the loading Bay at Okpu-umuobo/Union Bank junction till the completion of the ongoing construction work.

“The NURTW and leaders of Tricycle Unions should please take note.

“The Traders at Ahia Nkwo, Umungasi, and Afule markets encroaching on the road are by this announcement directed to vacate the road with immediate effect or they’ll have themselves to blame.

READ ALSO: Ikpeazu To Rename AbiaPoly Abia State University Of Science And Technology Aba, Orders Expedition Of Work At Ntigha Dry Port

“The Chairmen of the above-mentioned markets should please ensure compliance.

“As part of measures to reduce traffic on Aba Owerri Rd, Cmdr. Ikeokwu appeals to commuters coming to Aba from Enugu, Umuahia or Owerri to make use of the 9.2km Umuejije-Osokwa Aro road to join the 32km Umueñe-Obikabia road and burst out at Obikabia junction in Ogbor-Hill Aba. Those going to Enugu, Umuahia or Owerri could as well use the above-mentioned route.

“Cmdr. Ikeokwu stated that to make an Omelette you must break egg. He however regrets any inconveniences and appeals for patience and understanding while his men work in collaboration with the company in ensuring that Abians still go to their normal businesses while the reconstruction work Continues.”