The Abia State Government has installed a materials testing laboratory within the premises of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority as part of efforts to curb the rising cases of building collapse.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, announced this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He said the facility is equipped for concrete, soil, aggregate, asphalt, and steel reinforcement testing, as well as non-destructive and field testing.
“The installation of this lab will ensure very high quality of engineering and building projects in the state. That is the very essence of its establishment,” Kanu said.
He added that the project, first announced earlier this year, is now fully installed and operational.
The commissioner also disclosed that preparations for the second cohort of the state’s Information Communication Technology programme were almost complete.
Out of 850 applicants, verification has been concluded across local government areas, and training will begin on September 25.
“This programme will increase the state’s digital workforce, empower youths, and generally enhance job creation,” he said.
He noted that 19 participants from the first cohort were given automatic employment, adding that successful trainees in this round are encouraged to share their knowledge with others.
On agriculture, Kanu revealed that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in partnership with LGAs, is rolling out the Ease Agricultural Intervention Project to boost food security and employment.
As part of the initiative, prototype markets will be constructed across the 17 LGAs, beginning within a fortnight. Each market will feature 40 open stalls, solar-powered lighting, borehole facilities, public conveniences, and charging stations.
“The project will expand local trade, promote rural entrepreneurship, reduce rural-urban migration, and improve access to fresh produce,” Kanu explained.
He further announced that the Abia Soccer Fest competition is ongoing across all LGAs. Community-level knockout rounds have been concluded, and matches are underway to determine area champions.
“This project is structured to empower youths through sports, discover raw talent, and strengthen community engagement,” he said.
In the health sector, the commissioner disclosed that 25 out of 33 targeted primary healthcare centres have been “functionalised” and are fully operational. So far, 42 PHCs have been equipped, with eight more expected to be completed this week, bringing the total to 50.
He added that the state is on track to functionalise 200 PHCs under its phased programme.
Kanu also revealed that plans have reached advanced stages to revitalise Abia Hotels Limited in Umuahia as part of the government’s agenda to recover moribund state-owned assets.
“The recovery process is ongoing, and further details will be made public in due course,” he said.
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