The Abia State Government has recorded significant strides across policy development, healthcare, and economic planning under the leadership of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Prince Okey Kanu, who highlighted key milestones achieved by the administration.
According to the Commissioner, a major development is the successful production of a draft policy manual to guide the implementation of the Senior Citizens Law No. 4 of 2025. The document, developed by the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, provides clear modalities for implementing the law and addressing public misconceptions.
He explained that the law is designed to ensure the participation, dignity, care, and social protection of elderly citizens, covering their health, psychological well-being, housing, nutrition, and overall welfare. He clarified that the policy is not centered on cash handouts but rather institutionalizes structured support systems already in place for senior citizens.
Hon. Kanu further revealed that the government is advancing plans to strengthen the institutional framework supporting senior citizens, including the establishment of a governing board and relocation of the office to a permanent site, with the full policy document expected by April.
On the economic front, the Commissioner disclosed that the state is set to launch a comprehensive Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Policy through the Ministry of Industry and SMEs. He noted that the policy will enhance access to finance, promote market equity, stimulate job creation, and target a 30 percent contribution to the state’s GDP by 2030, positioning Abia as a leading business destination.
To deepen citizen engagement, he said the government will soon unveil a Citizens Contact Centre aimed at improving communication, streamlining feedback, and making governance more accessible and responsive.
In the health sector, Hon. Kanu announced that the Abia State University Teaching Hospital has secured full accreditation from the West African College of Physicians for professional training in Community Medicine for a five-year period, describing it as a reflection of the facility’s turnaround.
He also disclosed that the state will host a free medical outreach in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas from April 11 to 17, 2026. The outreach will offer consultations, surgeries, eye care services, and professional training.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health is partnering with the Jimmy Carter Foundation to provide free hydrocele surgeries across designated health facilities, while digital health initiatives and the implementation of the CONHESS salary structure for local government health workers are progressing steadily.
The Commissioner further revealed that construction has commenced on the Ukwa East General Hospital, with a nine-month completion timeline, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure.
On disease surveillance, he stated that no case of Lassa fever has been recorded in the state, attributing this to proactive measures intensified across border communities to prevent any outbreak.
Hon. Prince Okey Kanu emphasized that these developments reflect the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, social protection, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all Abians.
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