Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government is set to host a Technology and Innovation Summit as part of its efforts to promote technological advancement and digital transformation.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting. He also announced the passage of the Abia Start-up Bill into law by the State House of Assembly, describing it as a milestone in the state’s digital growth agenda.
According to him, the bill—sponsored by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations—aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s vision of building a robust digital economy that drives innovation across sectors.
“With the passage of the bill, the next important step will be for the Governor to sign it into law. Once that’s done, the Abia State Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Board will be established, alongside the launch of the Abia Start-up Portal,” Kanu stated.
He said the law would create a more attractive and enabling environment for start-ups in the state.
Prince Kanu further announced that the Abia Technology and Innovation Summit will hold from December 10 to 12, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. The summit will feature activities around the start-up law, including a start-up innovation challenge to be hosted at the new UNDP UNIPOD facility, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
He also revealed that Abia will host the 44th National Council of Civil Service Commissions Conference between November 30 and December 5, 2025, with over 600 participants expected.
On other developments, the Commissioner said 33 additional medical consultants will soon be employed following successful interviews conducted by the Ministries of Health and Civil Service Commission. Recruitment remains open for ophthalmologists, dental officers, and other medical personnel.
Kanu also disclosed that the Governor has approved the construction and deployment of 100 additional waste bins across the state by the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), with fabrication handled by Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
He added that the Ministry of Works currently has direct labour projects ongoing in 48 locations, with five recently completed and five new ones added.
Clarifying reports on the increase in National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) allowances, Kanu explained that corps members serving in state establishments will now earn ₦30,000 monthly, while those in the private sector will receive ₦20,000, with additional pay from employers where applicable. Corps members serving as teachers or medical personnel in state institutions will earn ₦50,000 monthly.
He said a monitoring mechanism is being set up to ensure proper implementation of the new allowances.
The Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovations, Mr. David Kalu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, were also present at the briefing.
