Abia’s electric mobility revolution is gaining momentum as the state government, led by Alex Otti, has placed an order for 20 additional electric buses and doubled its planned number of charging stations from 10 to 20.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, during a press briefing after the latest executive council meeting held at Government House in Umuahia on Monday.
He revealed that 12 out of the first batch of 20 buses scheduled to arrive in November will be deployed in Aba, while the remaining eight will operate in Umuahia. The newly ordered batch will serve other parts of the state, including the Ohafia-Bende axis.
According to Kanu, this expansion marks a major shift in Abia’s transportation network and will significantly ease urban mobility.
He also noted that construction work is ongoing on major bus terminals in Aba and Umuahia, along with improvements at major traffic points and the erection of bus shelters across the state.
Beyond transport, the commissioner shared updates on other ongoing development programs, including a fresh phase of the Fashion Future Skills Program, executed in partnership with Ethnocentric Limited. The initiative has enrolled 1,200 Abia youths for training in garment and leather work. “This program is designed to impart skills to Abia youths in garment-making and leatherwork,” he said, adding that “the program has so far attracted over $3 million in sponsorship funding from the MasterCard Foundation.”
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In the creative space, the Abia government has launched the Abia State Creative Talent Hunt Initiative through a collaboration between the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy. The initiative focuses on discovering and supporting young talents, particularly in music.
Kanu also disclosed plans for this year’s Youth Day celebration, scheduled for August 6–12, themed “Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Future.” Activities will include a youth assembly, symposium, and interstate exchange visits.
On the health front, he announced the activation of 17 fully equipped primary healthcare centers across the state. These centers are already serving residents, and he urged host communities to protect the facilities against vandalism. “We encourage all communities where they are located to ensure preservation and protection from criminals,” Kanu said.
He also reported that 1,604 applications had already been received for the ongoing recruitment of health professionals. The application portal will remain open until August 9.
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As part of Abia’s push for inclusive development, Kanu revealed that a wheelchair-accessible bus has been acquired for athletes living with disabilities to participate in the upcoming International Sports Championships taking place between September 3 and October 12.
Meanwhile, Nuel Geoffrey, a young creative supported by the state’s Arts Ministry, has reportedly broken the Guinness World Record for painting the highest number of faces within an hour — 275 in total. The official confirmation is awaited. “The official confirmation of this feat is being awaited. It was made possible through the support of Otti via the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy,” Kanu said.
To further strengthen tourism and heritage, the ministry is compiling a full calendar and compendium of cultural festivals and key heritage sites across the state. On public health, Kanu noted that there were no active outbreaks of diseases such as Lassa fever, cholera, diphtheria, yellow fever, or monkeypox in the state.
Abia’s holistic approach under Otti’s administration continues to draw praise for its inclusiveness, infrastructure delivery, and focus on young people.
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