FIC Report (Abia State) – The Abia State Executive Council has expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for visiting the state to commission landmark projects executed by Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR.
The State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, conveyed during the post-Executive Council press briefing at Government House, Umuahia. The meeting was presided over by Governor Otti.
Prince Kanu noted that both the government and people of Abia are deeply appreciative of the President’s visit, describing it as a strong endorsement of Governor Otti’s transformational achievements in infrastructure.
“Let me begin by thanking Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on behalf of Governor Alex Otti and the good people of Abia State, for accepting to visit and commission projects in the state,” the Commissioner said.
He emphasized that the President, represented by the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, FNSE, demonstrated genuine interest in Abia’s progress by unveiling key projects, including the newly remodelled Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia and several rehabilitated roads in Aba.
“From the commissioning of the iconic Michael Okpara Auditorium to the unveiling of newly reconstructed roads in Aba, Mr. President has left a lasting impression in the hearts of Abians,” Prince Kanu said. “We sincerely thank him and look forward to a new era of strategic partnership between Abia State and the Federal Government in delivering democracy dividends to Ndi Abia.”
The State Executive Council also extended gratitude to residents of Aba and Umuahia who came out in large numbers to welcome the President and show solidarity with the State Government.
Prince Kanu further disclosed that the State Executive Council has approved activities to mark this year’s World Sight Day, themed “Love Your Eyes, Vision for All.”
The event, which runs from October 6 to 10, includes free eye screenings, free glasses, medications, and counseling across the state.
A symposium titled “Prioritizing Eye Health: A Collective Approach” will be held on Thursday at the JAAC Building, Umuahia. He invited residents with eye challenges to participate and visit Vision Centres at Primary Health Centres for free treatment.
In fulfillment of Governor Otti’s promise to clear verified salary arrears, the Commissioner revealed that former staff of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic have been substantially paid.
He explained that less than 10% of those affected remain unpaid due to technical issues currently being addressed by the Ministries of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General.
Highlighting Governor Otti’s commitment to youth empowerment and sports, Prince Kanu announced that Abia State successfully hosted the Para Badminton International Championships and the All-African Para Badminton Championship simultaneously at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
He also noted Abia’s impressive performance at the National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State, where the state ranked 6th overall with a record of 415 participants, while the state’s football team clinched gold for the second consecutive time.
In addition, the Excelsior South Volleyball Team finished second in the National Women’s Volleyball Division 1 League held in Abuja.
“These achievements show that Abia is taking its rightful place among the leading states in youth and sports development in Nigeria,” he remarked.
Also present at the briefing were the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; the Administrator of the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr. (Mrs.) Betty Emeka-Obasi; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku-Ukoha.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
October 7,2025
