Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced plans to launch a pilot biogas programme at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, aimed at converting waste into clean, renewable energy as part of the state’s drive toward sustainable power solutions.
Speaking during a media chat, Governor Otti said the initiative is designed to turn waste into energy, reduce environmental hazards, and provide Abia with alternative renewable energy sources, marking a major step in the state’s green energy agenda.
Beyond energy, the Governor highlighted sweeping reforms across education, infrastructure, health, housing, and water supply. He revealed that public school enrolment has surged from 117,000 pupils last year to over 300,000 this January, nearly tripling attendance in state-owned schools. To meet the growing demand, the government has commenced the recruitment of 4,000 additional teachers, while reconstruction works continue across several public schools.
Governor Otti also disclosed that the renovation, rebuilding, and retrofitting of hostels and offices at the Abia State University and the Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, are ongoing.
On infrastructure, the Governor said he will soon commission the Omenuko Bridge and the Abam–Okobo–Amuvi–Arochukwu Road, while plans are underway to flag off the reconstruction of Uratta Road and the Old Express Road, projects he said are critical to the complete recovery of Aba.
In the housing sector, the Governor announced that the state will soon flag off pocket layout housing estates and other large-scale housing projects in Mbaisii, Mgbarakuma, and Ubakala, as part of efforts to expand affordable housing.
Governor Otti also revealed that the Abia State Government has entered into a ground-breaking partnership to digitally create and rate every hotel and hospitality facility in the state, a move expected to improve regulation, transparency, and tourism development.
In healthcare, the Governor said Project Ekwueme Phase One, which covers 200 primary healthcare centres, has been completed, with many already functional and others set to become operational soon. He added that preparations are in place to begin Phase Two of the initiative. According to him, the state has also recruited over 600 healthcare professionals, many of whom have already been deployed and resumed duty.
Further strengthening healthcare delivery, Governor Otti announced that the government has awarded the construction of a new general hospital in Ndoki, Ukwa East, noting that contractors have already mobilised to site.
On water infrastructure, the Governor said the CKC Aba Water Project, flagged off last year, is nearing completion and will soon be commissioned to supply water to parts of Aba. He added that the Ariaria Water Scheme and other regional water projects, including that of Umuahia, will soon be flagged off. He also disclosed that the water project at the Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, is about 90 percent completed and will supply water to surrounding communities upon completion.
Governor Otti described the initiatives as part of a coordinated effort to rebuild Abia’s institutions, improve service delivery, and lay the foundation for long-term economic and social development across the state.
