By Charles Thomas | Abia State
In a historic allocation under Nigeria’s 2025 Appropriation Act, the Federal Government has earmarked over N5 billion for infrastructure, education, agriculture, power, and youth empowerment projects across the Abia South Senatorial District. From Obingwa to Ukwa East and down to the streets of Aba North and South, the budget outlines tangible interventions that could dramatically transform the lives of the people if implemented.
At the center of this windfall is Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, a seasoned legislator and vocal figure in the Nigerian Senate. Having represented Abia South for over a decade, this budget cycle presents a litmus test for his political legacy: will these projects become visible realities or remain lines on a federal document?
The Breakdown: Projects that Could Change Everything
Across all six LGAs of Abia South—Aba North, Aba South, Obingwa, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, and Ugwunagbo—millions have been allocated for the following:
Power and Electrification
N1.4 billion for solar streetlight installations in strategic communities, including Obingwa, Aba South, Aba North, and Ukwa West
N350 million for transformer installations to boost electricity in underserved areas
Roads and Infrastructure
N700 million for rural road grading and maintenance
N300 million for the completion of Umuagu–Ohuru Road in Obingwa
N300 million to tackle the road nightmare at Asa Nnetu Spare Parts Market in Aba
Agriculture and Food Security
Over N1.5 billion for the supply of rice, fertilizers, and farm tools across the senatorial zone, targeting both subsistence and commercial farmers
Youth and Women Empowerment
N520 million for training, skills acquisition, and micro-enterprise support tailored to empower youths and women in both urban and rural communities
Projects range from hydroponic farming to tech-driven entrepreneurial training
Education and School Support
N400 million to provide furniture, sandals, uniforms, and school bags for public primary schools across Aba and its surrounding LGAs
Health and Community Development
Renovation and equipping of community health centers and civic halls in Ugwunagbo and Obingwa LGAs
A Wake-Up Call to Senator Abaribe
These budgeted projects offer Abia South the most significant federal opportunity in recent memory. But appropriation is only the first step. Implementation lies at the mercy of political will, executive follow-through, and legislative oversight.
Senator Abaribe, known for his fearless stance on national issues, must now turn that same energy inward—toward his constituents.
It is not enough to speak in chambers or champion opposition causes. The people of Abia South need roads, light, schools, and farms that work. They need jobs for their youth, medical facilities that save lives, and empowerment programs that birth entrepreneurs, not dependency.
We call on Senator Abaribe to
- Publicly acknowledge these allocations and provide a rollout plan
- Set up local monitoring committees to track each project
- Engage the Federal Ministries and MDAs to ensure timely release and execution
- Use his office to bring relevant contractors, stakeholders, and community leaders to the table
Citizens Must Watch
This is also a call to civil society, media, and grassroots organizations in Abia South to stay alert. These funds belong to the people. Every kobo must be traced. Every promise must be fulfilled.
Senator Abaribe, this is your moment. Do not let Abia South down.
Charles Thomas is a journalist and broadcaster based in Abia. He writes on politics, governance, and development.
