|
Listen to article
|
Abia State Government led by Govenor Alex Otti has announced the declaration of a state of emergency in six key sectors of the state.
During a press briefing on Monday evening, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, highlighted the six critical sectors declared under a state of emergency by the Abia State Government.
These sectors are security, education, infrastructure, investment, climate change, and pensions payment. The decision was made during the state Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
government of Abia has completed arrangements for the introduction of ‘Operation Crush,’ aimed at tackling the prevailing insecurity.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the state governor has approved the ‘Lighting Up Abia Initiative’ which involves lighting up the major streets of Umuahia, Aba, and other cities of the state.
Read also: New Abia: Otti Earmarks 160 Buildings For Demolition
As part of ‘Operation Crush,’ the Commissioner stated that the plan involves clearing the bushes within the expressway median lane from Okigwe gate into the state, complemented by the installation of street lights to enhance visibility in the area.
The executives, he said, have also put in place, the ‘Reclaim Our Schools Initiative’ to ‘underscore the premium the state government has on education,” by harvesting support from highly placed individuals, stakeholders and international agencies to finance education from the primary to tertiary levels in the state.’
Additionally, the Commissioner revealed that the state has finalized arrangements to convene its first-ever climate change summit, a significant step not undertaken by previous administrations.
Speaking about the traditional institution in the state, Kanu informed that the royal fathers can expect to receive their increased allowances, raised from 3% to 5% by Otti’s administration, starting next week. He also reassured the public of the state government’s dedication to clearing pension arrears that are yet to be paid.
In further detail, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme, expressed disappointment over the appalling condition of schools in the state, which he deemed unimaginable.
He went on to highlight the state government’s strategic plans to establish new primary and secondary schools in every local government.
Prof. Uche Eme noted the involvement of host communities in securing these schools through a Community-Based initiative, ensuring that the communities take ownership of the educational institutions.
She shared that the state government’s vision is to collaborate with private schools, working together to achieve superior education and restore public schools to their former status. Moreover, the government aims to inspire communities to fulfil their corporate social responsibility with zeal.
Speaking further, Caleb Ajagba, the Secretary to the State Government, reiterated the state governor’s firm resolve to ensure the standardisation of all schools across the state.
In a similar vein, Philemon Ogbonna, the Commissioner for Environment and Urban Renewal, lamented the past governments’ neglect in domesticating climate change in the state, emphasizing Otti’s proactive approach to involving all stakeholders.
