Abia Govt frowns at acts of vandalism of public facilities, arrest suspects
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu Umuahia
The Abia State has disclosed that the facility manager and two staff members of the Aba Textile Mill for allegedly vandalizing the facility.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu stated this while briefing journalists on Monday, in Umuahia the state capital on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting.
He revealed that suspects are currently detention for acts involving stealing and vandalization of the mill.
He said that, “The state government is using this medium to warn all unscrupulous persons whose stock in trade is to steal and vandalize government property to desist from such criminal tendencies or be ready to face the wrath of the law,” Prince Kanu stated.
The Commissioner said that the Council has directed the General Manager of Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) to quicken the process of setting out the new Umuahia City.
He said, the state government plans to set out a new Umuahia City as part of its urban renewal agenda and said that there is need to extend the state capital and make it wear a new look.
He announced that some roads around Ariaria, including; Umuode Road, Bakassi Road and Isi- Ihitteukwu Close
have been completed and ready for commissioning. Also, that the construction of Umuosi, Ihuoma and Umukanna Roads as part of the urban renewal agenda of the state government through GADA is still ongoing.
Kanu further said that the state government is set to renovate and retrofit the vocational and skills centre located at Mgbarakuma , Ubakala.
“That place has been left to rot for consequently the GM UCDA was directed by Council to ensure that the facility will be up and running and ready for use in the shortest possible time,” Prince Kanu stated.
Kanu also disclosed that in a couple of weeks, the Government of Dr. Alex Otti would be marking it’s second year in office. He said that the event would be marked in low key and explained why.
He said, “Low key because the government believes that the achievements recorded so far and the work we still need to do constitutes some form of work in progress
“So rather than just roll out the drums to just celebrate, it will be a period of stock taking, some form of mid term review of the achievements, the highs and lows of the state government.
“This is despite many achievements made so far in virtually all aspects of the governance spectrum”.
The event according to the Commissioner would offer the government the opportunity to reflect on its achievements so far and to chart a course forward for the remaining two years of the administration
The commissioner added that a number of activities to mark the anniversary would include, an interdenominational thanksgiving service, a presentation of score cards by the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as flag off and commissioning of projects.
Kanu revealed that Abia government is on the course of being featured on the Guinness Book of Records and this is because of a young man and an Aba resident, Mr Noah Geoffrey, who targets to paint 300 faces in one hour.
“Mr Geoffrey aims to paint 300 faces in one hour which if achieved would surpass the current record of 217 as recorded by the Guinness Book of world records.
“With the official approval from the Guinness World Records, the attempt is set to take place at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba on May 23, 2025.
“The State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy is partnering with Mr. Geoffrey to achieve this feat”, Kanu stated.
The Commissioner, who noted that all the materials for the exercise including the canvas are all being sourced from Aba said the state government is actively supporting the process of promoting a local talent in order to showcase the creative potential of Abians at the global stage.
He informed that the Abia Ministry of Youth and Sports has continued to record successes in the sports sector including the maiden NDDC Sports Festival, where the state contingent won a total of 33 medals including 9 gold medals, 10 silver medals and 14 bronze medals among others as well as hosting the under 12 and under 15 handball championships 12
and in football.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir. Nwaobilor Ananaba and his Arts, Culture and Creative Economy counterpart, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe were present at the press briefing.