The Abia State Government announced that it has made significant progress in establishing an innovation park in the State with the aim of promoting development and reducing unemployment among the young population.
The Commissioner for Information, Hon. Prince Okey Kanu, revealed that this initiative aligns with the promises made by the Governor during the 2023 governorship campaigns, focusing on alleviating the hardships faced by Abians by creating numerous employment opportunities.
During a press conference at the Government House in Umuahia, the State capital, the Commissioner stated that numerous investors have shown keen interest in collaborating with the Alex Otti-led government to establish a fully functional Innovation Park in the State.
“We are witnessing a significant rise in interest from numerous investors, and Abia has rapidly emerged as a prominent hub in the South East for various business opportunities. This achievement is attributed to the efforts of our government. As a result, many investors are eager to collaborate with the government to establish an Innovation Park that will not only generate job opportunities for our unemployed youths but also foster overall development in the State.
The Innovation Park will comprise essential components such as an incubation centre, manufacturing logistics, power facilities, and a modular refinery. It will serve as a home for various entities in these sectors, all contributing to the success of the Innovation Park.
Additionally, Hon Kanu highlighted that the Governor previously declared a ‘State of Emergency’ on Waste Disposal, and a task force was promptly set up to address the issue. He praised the positive impacts achieved by the task force within a short span of time.”
Earlier, the Information Commissioner expressed deep concern about addressing issues that hinder pension payments. He assured that Otti’s government was diligently working towards achieving “100 percent pensions to retirees in the state.”
Kanu, who could hardly conceal his regret over the government’s failure to complete the last pension payment, attributed it to the historical approach adopted by the previous administration. However, he reassured that the method was under review to ensure that retirees would receive their full emoluments in the future.
During a media session, Professor Joel Ogbonna, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, attributed the high cost of petroleum products in the state to the nonfunctioning of the Osisioma depot. He mentioned that marketers in the state were now sourcing products from Lagos and Port Harcourt. The Commissioner informed that efforts were underway to fix the Osioma-depot road and repair the Port Harcourt-Osisioma pipeline, damaged by oil vandals. Additionally, a monitoring team was being established to ensure the delivery of quality products.
Furthermore, plans were being made to set up a modular refinery within the innovation park.
Another Commissioner, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, responsible for Women Affairs, announced that the ministry had scheduled the annual Abia Women Delegates Conference (AWADEC) for August 13th. The event was expected to draw over 2,000 participants from across the three senatorial zones of the state. Mrs. Felix emphasized that the program aimed to empower vulnerable groups and ensure participants would share their acquired knowledge with their communities.
Additionally, the ministry was working on establishing a sexual assault and referral center to support victims of sexual assault and other violent acts, contributing to a safer and better society.
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