.…..Otti To Commission Over 25 Roads At Third Anniversary.
FIC Report (Abia State) – The Federal Government’s push to deepen innovation, science and technology across Nigeria is gathering momentum in Abia State as Governor Alex Otti’s administration moves to align with national priorities through the establishment of a state innovation committee, renewable energy projects in schools, and a broad science and technology development framework.
This development comes as Governor Alex Otti prepares to commission more than 25 road projects across Abia State this May as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting.
Prince Kanu revealed that the Federal Government has directed all states to establish committees under its ECON (Energised Commercialisation Now) programme, an innovation and technology initiative aimed at promoting research, commercialization, and technological advancement nationwide.
According to him, Abia State has commenced steps to implement the directive through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations by constituting a committee that will drive participation of innovators, startups, researchers, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders in the state.
He explained that the committee would identify and support credible innovators and researchers, facilitate the presentation of market-ready innovations, strengthen collaboration between academia, industry and government institutions, and ensure inclusivity with special attention to youth and women participation.
“The committee will facilitate identification and participation of credible innovators, startups and researchers within the state.
“It will ensure progression and presentation of viable market-ready innovation and research outcomes, strengthen linkages between academia, industry and government stakeholders, promote inclusivity with focus on youth and women participation, support the success of the national ECON programme and technical sessions, while also developing a credible state research and innovation policy,” Prince Kanu stated.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. David Kalu, further disclosed that the Federal Government’s directive mandates states to coordinate the participation of innovators, researchers, startups, higher institutions and industrial stakeholders under the national innovation programme.
He explained that the Abia committee would include representatives from major higher institutions in the state, including Abia State University (ABSU), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, alongside private sector stakeholders.
According to him, the committee will identify viable research projects, facilitate commercialization opportunities, strengthen academia-industry collaboration and support the presentation of commercially viable research outcomes at national innovation and technical sessions.
Mr. Kalu also disclosed plans to leverage the committee in developing a comprehensive Abia State Research and Innovation Policy, focused on promoting research aligned with the state’s economic priorities, local resource utilization and commercially viable innovation.
He described the initiative as a strategic long-term plan aimed at positioning Abia as a leading hub for practical, impactful and sustainable innovation in Nigeria.
The Commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for science and technology development capable of driving economic growth, educational advancement and job creation.
In another major technological intervention, the Abia State Government, through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations, has established a biogas digester to power a renewable energy demonstration project in the state.
Prince Kanu announced that a pilot scheme has already been deployed in a secondary school located in Owerrinta, describing it as a major step toward renewable energy adoption in educational institutions.
He explained that the project is designed to convert organic waste into renewable energy while assessing affordability, scalability and public acceptance of biogas technology in schools.
“The bio-gas initiative is intended to assess affordability, scalability and acceptance of the technology in schools, while also generating research data that could support wider implementation across the state,” he said.
According to him, the pilot project is in its early stages and is expected to commence gas production within a few weeks, with prospects for expansion to other schools and public institutions if successful.
Prince Kanu further announced plans by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations to organise a five-day STEM Week programme for secondary school students across Abia State.
He said the programme would showcase educational technology solutions, launch a dedicated STEM platform and engage students through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) club activities.
The initiative, he added, will particularly encourage the participation of girls from about 30 secondary schools across the state, with the objective of deepening inclusion in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
Otti to Commission Over 25 Road Projects
Meanwhile, Governor Alex Otti is set to commission over 25 road projects executed across Abia State within May as part of celebrations marking his third anniversary in office.
Prince Kanu listed some of the roads billed for commissioning to include the Onuimo–Tower Road, Abiriba–Ohafia Road, Nunya–Isuikwuato Road, and Umuafai–Lodu–Ahiaeke–Okwuta Road, among others.
He stated that the State Executive Council has directed political appointees to take ownership of government projects in their various communities to ensure sustainability.
According to him, the move is intended to encourage prompt minor repairs and maintenance of public infrastructure, including schools and sanitation facilities.
“In the same way, they are to ensure that the state of projects and sanitation of schools in their domains are fixed and maintain cleanliness and hygiene in their communities,” he said.
He explained that mayors, councillors and local government appointees are expected to play active roles in infrastructure maintenance and environmental sanitation as part of government efforts to build stronger community support systems.
Government Warns Against Traffic Violations
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, warned motorists against driving against traffic and disobeying road regulations, particularly in Umuahia, the state capital.
He stated that the government had observed with concern the increasing disregard for traffic rules by some motorists, stressing that offenders would face sanctions in line with extant traffic laws.
“Those who drive against traffic and those who refuse to obey traffic laws will be punished according to extant traffic laws.
“We’ve seen situations where some drivers ignore red lights and continue moving. Government will take a very strong stance against such individuals,” Ekeoma warned.
He emphasized that nobody, including government officials, is above the law, noting that even Governor Alex Otti’s convoy obeys traffic regulations.
“We want to have a sane state capital and a sane state. It is in everyone’s interest that people respect traffic,” he added.
Abiakam Gloria Ify HOC FIC Umuahia Abia State.
19th May,2026.
