By Sophia Afolabi
In a bold step to modernize public transportation and enhance social development, the Governor of Abia State Alex Otti has approved the procurement of an additional 20 electric buses, bringing the state’s total fleet to 40.
The approval was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing following the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Umuahia.
According to Kanu, the first batch of 20 buses is expected to arrive in November 2025, with 12 units deployed to Aba and 8 to Umuahia, the state capital. The number of electric charging stations has also increased to 20, signalling the government’s commitment to clean and sustainable urban mobility.
Youth Empowerment on the Rise
In a significant move towards youth development, Kanu revealed that the state, in partnership with a non-governmental organisation, has onboarded 1,200 young Abians for the second phase of its Skills Acquisition Programme focused on garment making and leatherworks.
Furthermore, the state has launched the Abia State Creative Talent Hunt, an initiative aimed at uncovering and nurturing talents in music, digital arts, and innovation. The government is also preparing for this year’s Youth Week, themed “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future”.
To promote inclusivity, the state has acquired a wheelchair-accessible bus to facilitate the participation of disabled athletes at an upcoming international sports championship.
Super Falcons Stars to Be Honoured
The government also announced plans to recognize three Abia-born Super Falcons players who contributed to Nigeria’s victory over Morocco at the WAFCON tournament held in December 2024.
Boosting Health & Tourism Sectors
On healthcare, Kanu confirmed that over 1,600 applications have been received for ongoing recruitment into the state’s health workforce. The portal remains open to qualified applicants until August 9, 2025.
In a bid to boost tourism, the state is compiling an all-year-round cultural compendium, which will feature a calendar of festivals, certified hotels, tourist sites, and recreational hubs across Abia.
Speaking further, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuruibe, emphasized the government’s commitment to harnessing the creative potential of Abia’s youth. He urged individuals in tourism, visual arts, music, digital innovation, and related fields to engage with upcoming opportunities and showcase their work.
