Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government says it is set to unveil a new economic and business policy framework to promote made-in-Abia products.
This, according to the State Government, is in furtherance of efforts to actualise aspects of the local content law in Abia.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who announced this during a press briefing in Umuahia, said details of the new made-in-Abia products policy would be made public soon.
He said: “This policy when fully operational would make it possible that all goods and services obtainable in the state would not be procured from outside the state.
“This is a bold reaction to the unraveling of both the national and global economies and the resultant economic headwinds and headline inflation prevalent in the country.
“As a forward thinking government, the Abia State Government is deliberate about the management of its local economy in order to boost the production of goods and services responsible for the overall health of the state’s economy,” he explained.
He recalled that Governor Otti recently played host to a group called Ethnorcentrique Limited, an indigenous company involved in the promotion of handmade fabrics, particularly the Akwete fabric, where he promised to promote it and use in the state.
He added that the new policy framework that centres around the purchase of Made-in-Abia goods has been put together to promote such goods and services.
Kanu further said that the State Executive Council had equally approved the construction of a General Hospital in Ukwa East Local Government Area, saying that it is In furtherance of the state government’s investments in secondary healthcare in the state.
He said a project team would be arriving at the LGA soon to reconfirm the location for the project and further said that the new general hospitals being constructed or reconstructed in Arochukwu, Okeikpe, Obingwa and Ikwuano are all progressing well.
He said Gov. Otti, would conduct the official launch of the Formal Sector Health Insurance Scheme on Thursday, April 10, at the International Conference Center, Umuahia by 2:00 pm.
The Commissioner also announced that the Sound Intervention Hearing Mission 2025 would be launched by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, “together with Governor Alex Otti on the same day, time and venue.”
According to him, the former President would during the visit, inaugurate the 45-km Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Akara-Alayi- Abiriba road which was reconstructed by Gov. Otti.
