Keyamo to flag off Abia airport construction Tuesday – Commissioner

The Minister for Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, is set to inaugurate the construction of an airport at Nsulu, Abia State, on Tuesday next week.

Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this during a press briefing following the weekly Executive Council meeting in Umuahia. He revealed that the project is a collaboration between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government.

Airport Project Overview

The Commissioner explained that the Federal Government initially planned to construct an airstrip, but Governor Alex Otti advocated for upgrading it to a full-fledged airport. “The State will contribute by constructing standard runways to accommodate large aircraft,” Kanu said.

He emphasized that the airport, once completed, would significantly enhance Abia’s socio-economic activities and tourism potential.

Educational Initiatives

Kanu also announced plans to build 20 smart schools across the state’s 17 local government areas as part of Governor Otti’s drive to revamp the education sector.

The smart schools will feature interactive boards, internet connectivity, and other modern facilities. Existing schools will be selected for the upgrades, and additional teachers will be employed.

The initiative complements the government’s policy of free and compulsory education for primary to Junior Secondary 3 students, starting January 2025. “This policy aims to ensure there are no out-of-school children in Abia,” Kanu stated.

Health and Infrastructure Updates

The Commissioner highlighted Abia’s preparedness against health challenges, stating that the state has no reported cases of COVID-19 variants, m-pox, diphtheria, or chickenpox. He also mentioned the renovation of an Emergency Operation Centre by Caritas, which will serve as a hub for disease outbreak coordination.

On infrastructure, Kanu announced the completion of three newly renovated roads in Aba, bringing the total number of roads reconstructed by the administration to 147.

Upcoming Budget Presentation

Governor Alex Otti is expected to present the 2025 appropriation budget to the State House of Assembly on Tuesday, aligning with Abia’s fiscal responsibility and economic development goals.


Enhancing Public Education

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, criticized the substandard nature of some private schools in the state. He asserted that the introduction of smart schools and improved teacher welfare packages, especially in rural areas, would elevate public school standards, potentially drawing students away from private institutions.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, and Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr. Goodluck Ubochi, also participated in the briefing, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transformative governance in Abia State.

Jasix:
That's Nice. But most of these governors carry out these airports project to embezzle public funds cos they end up not completing the project before the expiration of their tenure.

CodeTemplar:
Ebonyi own has been completed and is idle. It cannot repay 10% of the cost in 100 years yet they are upgrading and maintaining it. This is not a good idea for Abians at all.

CodeTemplar:
Ebonyi own has been completed and is idle. It cannot repay 10% of the cost in 100 years yet they are upgrading and maintaining it. This is not a good idea for Abians at all.

Shawarmagirl:


Abia is the only state in South East yet to have airport. If all the states in Nigeria have airports, will heaven fall? No!

Edygrin:
Forget party or anything, all these politicians are the same.

Is an airport the immediate need of Abians? That how Ebonyi built that white elephant project called an airport that only the governor uses.

There's an airport in Anambra and Imo, an International Airport in Enugu, another one in Uyo, Akwa Ibom which are all neighboring states, why then does Abia state need an airport again if not that the government looking for a way to loot.

Jasix:


"I'm for effective policies and governance"

I like your Signature. Pls bless me with four-kay. Hardship is too much 🙏

CodeTemplar:
Instead of me, meet the Abia govt you just supported for wasting money on a project. They can even give you four-emm(4m) instead of four-kay(4k).

MadamExcellency:


Stop comparing Ebonyi State and Abia State. Abia State is an economic and industrial hub in Eastern Nigeria. People come from Lagos State, Southwest, Southsouth and North to buy something from Aba.

Edygrin:

Listen to yourself.
And when they come to buy that stuff, they'll use the airport to transport it back?

MadamExcellency:


You are ignorant of how business people operate their businesses. Your fly in, way-bill your merchandise through whatever means you want and fly back to base.

Do you think Abia businessmen travel around the world for contacts and businesses go with bicycles?

Edygrin:

You're ignorant if you believe Abia state needs a passenger airport when it has airports all around it. What Abia state needs is a Cargo Airport or a River Port as being speculated.

Edygrin:
Forget party affiliation or anything, all these politicians are the same.

Is an airport the immediate need of Abians? That's how Ebonyi built that white elephant project called an airport that only the governor uses.

There's an airport in Anambra and Imo, an International Airport in Enugu, another one in Uyo, Akwa Ibom which are all neighboring states, why then does Abia state need an airport again if not that the government is looking for a way to loot.

CodeTemplar:
Status mentality. Your neighbour is bankrupt because he bought a car he cannot fuel and people arent willing to rent. You foolishly took your own loan to support your lean salary to buy same car for the sake of status. Are you okay upstairs?

Edygrin:
Forget party affiliation or anything, all these politicians are the same.

Is an airport the immediate need of Abians? That's how Ebonyi built that white elephant project called an airport that only the governor uses.

There's an airport in Anambra and Imo, an International Airport in Enugu, another one in Uyo, Akwa Ibom which are all neighboring states, why then does Abia state need an airport again if not that the government is looking for a way to loot.

CodeTemplar:
Ebonyi own has been completed and is idle. It cannot repay 10% of the cost in 100 years yet they are upgrading and maintaining it. This is not a good idea for Abians at all.