Abia State Government has announced plans to construct an “Innovation Park” aimed at boosting socio-economic growth in the State.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu made the disclosure at the Government House, Umuahia during a Press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council.
Flanked by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Joel Ogbonna and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mrs Ngozi Felix, Kanu noted that the project is a testament to Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises to the people of Abia.
He added that the primary objective of the Innovation Park is to tackle the issue of youth unemployment in Abia and expressed delight in the overwhelming interest shown by numerous Investors who are eager to collaborate with the government in establishing the park.
According to the Information boss, once operational, the park will house an incubation center catering to sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, power, and modular refinery.
Addressing the concerns about pension payments, Kanu stated that the present government is fully committed to resolving any existing challenges and added that serious efforts were being made to ensure 100 per cent payment to pensioners.
He apologized to pensioners for the shortfall in the June payment, attributing it to the historical methods employed by the past administration.
Kanu, however, assured the pensioners that the government is actively reviewing these methods to ensure the timely disbursement of 100% pension payments and clearing any outstanding pension before the end of the year.
On environment, the Information boss said that in line with the rebuilding agenda of the present administration, the government would commence a “Clean Abia Programme” aimed at improving the cleanliness of the State.
He said that the State government was focused on encouraging the people of Abia to imbibe the culture of keeping their surrounding clean and actively participating in the monthly clean up exercise observed in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Joel Ogbonna stated that efforts are underway to rehabilitate the road leading to Osisioma Depot, making it functional and accessible to oil marketers adding that the State government is also making efforts to effect repairs on the vandalised Port Harcourt-Osisioma pipeline.
He said the Ministry would set up an effective monitoring Team to ensure filling stations provide the public with high quality petroleum product.
Ogbonna further added that the government plans to set up a modular refinery in Ukwa West through a Public-Private Partnership as part of efforts to address the issue of high cost of petroleum product costs.
Also,the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mrs Ngozi Felix, said that the Ministry would hold the annual Abia Women Delegates Conference (AWADEC) on August 13, which would be attended by over 2000 participants from across the three Senatorial zones of the State.
According to the Commissioner, the event would feature empowerment of vulnerable groups, widows, physically challenged persons, while participants who would be trained in different areas of life would in turn go back to teach women in the various local communities.
She said that plans were on top gear to establish a Sexual Assault and Referral Center to provide the much-needed support and care for victims of such crimes.
