Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
In a bid to contain cases of building collapse, the Abia State Government has established a material-testing laboratory in the state.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who disclosed this during a press briefing in Umuahia, said the laboratory “is fully operational.”
He said: “The lab has the capacity for the following services: Concrete Testing, Soil Testing, Aggregate Testing, Asphalt Flexible Pavement Testing, Steel Reinforcement Testing, Non-Destructive Testing, and Field Testing, among many other capabilities.
“The installation of this lab will ensure very high quality of engineering and building projects in the state,” he said.
The Commissioner further said that plans had reached an advanced stage to revitalise Abia Hotel Limited, Umuahia, adding that it is in line with the state government’s agenda to revitalise moribund companies and ensure that no state-owned assets are wasted.
“The recovery process of that facility has reached an advanced stage, and further details about that process will be unfolded in due course to the press.
“It is worthy to note that under the watch of His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, no government asset will be allowed to waste or be misappropriated by government officials, as was the case in the past,” Prince Kanu stated.
The Commissioner for Information further disclosed that the Abia TechRise ICT Training Cohort 2 is ongoing and has reached an advanced stage for the training to commence.
He said that the verification of candidates, numbering 850 applicants, has been concluded at the respective local government areas, and training for the successful applicants would commence on September 25, 2025.
He noted that the programme is part of the state government’s agenda to empower its teenage youth with ICT skills that would prepare them to be relevant in the 21st century.
He also said that, in furtherance of the Food Security Programme in the Agricultural Sector, the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs “is working in collaboration with local government areas on its Agricultural Intervention Project.”
“Besides the provision of food for the citizenry, this intervention programme will provide a source of employment and empowerment for Abians.
“The State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is planning the construction of four robust prototype markets across 17 LGAs,” he said.
He added that the construction, which would be done in batches, would commence within a fortnight, while the markets would feature 40 local stalls with solar-powered lights, mobile facilities, public conveniences, and solar-powered phone charging points.
The Information boss, who noted that the Abia Soccerfest competition is ongoing across 17 LGAs, also announced that the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation would host the International Leaders’ Summit between September 22 and 25, 2025.
According to him, the objective of the summit is to strengthen collaboration between the State Ministry of Science and Technology and entrepreneurs in the vendor subsector.
“This is with a view to strengthening their use of technology in their business while enhancing the quality of their products for export,” he said.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Mr Kingsley Agomuo, were present at the briefing.
