The Abia State House of Assembly has passed the Abia Start-Up Bill, a landmark legislation initiated by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations to boost entrepreneurship and digital growth in the state.
The bill, now awaiting Governor Alex Otti’s assent, seeks to establish the Abia State Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Board and launch the Abia Start-Up Portal. The initiative is expected to create an enabling environment for start-ups and tech innovators to thrive across multiple sectors.
Announcing the development, Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovations, Mr. David Kalu, revealed that preparations are underway for the Abia Technology and Innovation Summit, scheduled for December 10–12, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. The event will focus on the new start-up law and feature an Innovation Challenge hosted at the UNDP UNIPOD facility, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
Abia will also host the 44th National Council of Civil Service Commission Conference from November 30 to December 5, 2025, with over 600 delegates expected to attend — a development seen as further proof of the state’s growing national recognition under Governor Otti’s administration.
In the health sector, 33 new consultants are set to be employed following successful interviews, while recruitment remains open for ophthalmologists, dental officers, and other medical professionals.
Governor Otti has also approved the construction and deployment of 100 new waste bins by Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, under ASEPA’s supervision to enhance environmental sanitation. The Ministry of Works currently oversees 48 direct labour projects statewide, with five completed and five new ones recently added.
In a major welfare boost, the Governor approved a significant increase in allowances for National Youth Service Corps members serving in Abia — the first in 27 years.
- Corps members in private and state establishments will now receive ₦20,000 monthly (up from ₦4,000).
- Those in state-owned institutions will earn ₦30,000, while
- Corps members serving in health and education sectors will receive ₦50,000 monthly.
A monitoring mechanism is being put in place to ensure full implementation.
The announcement was made at a press briefing attended by Commissioner David Kalu and the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma.
