#AbiaOnline
Ikechukwu Iroha.
Abia State Government under the able leadership of Dr. Ikpeazu recorded achievements in all sectors of the economy in the year 2016.
It is not out of place to state that the agenda set by the government suffered a bit setback due to pending litigations occasioned by those who wished to truncate the developmental drive of Ikpeazu’s administration.
However, the government remained focused in all areas.
The vigorous and intensive campaign for made in Aba products, yielded results, as the State received mouth watering contracts from different bodies and individuals which resulted to an increase in the internally generated revenue of the State.
Reduction in unemployment rate, crime and other social vices due to engagement of large number of persons and availability of markets for made in Aba products, were visible in the year 2016.
In 2016, Dr Ikpeazu led Government massively developed infrastructures in the health sector, formed partnership with foreign bodies and other agencies. Reconstructed the school of midwifery at Abiriba, school of Nursing at Aba, Umuahia and Amachara , which prompted their reaccreditation by the midwifery and Nursing Council of Nigeria.
Through partnership with MTN Foundation, 4 (four) maternity and children wards in 4 (four) General hospitals were refurbished and routine immunization carried out. The State was able to meet the WHO’s conditions on “The Save One Million Lives Initiative” which entitled Abia to receive $1 million in grant.
Abia State University Teaching Hospital also was equipped and services upgraded.
The free lunch programme was launched at primary schools. About 18 schools renovated with boreholes in the State. Under the Friends of Okezie adopt a school initiative, new schools were built. The campaign for made in Aba shoes gained entrance into primary schools as the State Commissioned free school sandals for primary schools with the help of Abians in the diaspora. Education for Employment was introduced to encourage technical education in the State. At the tertiary level, overall achievements were recorded including introduction of new departments and reaccreditation of old ones.
Ministry of Agriculture established 7500 capacity modern poultry. The ministry also revamped its fish ponds with over 7,000 fishes been nursed in the ponds at the ministry’s headquarter in Umuahia. The State procured tractors, Bulldozers, and graders to create inroads to farm settlements. In 2016, Government planted over 2 million palm seedlings at Ahiaba- Umunze at Osisioma, while also targeting extra 5 million seedlings to increase Palm oil manufacturing in the State. In same vein, Rice processing mill was established at Arochukwu.
Abia State as at last month recorded a downward review of wage bill from above #2.8 billion to #2.2 billion, by the use of biometrics which captured genuine workers and led to reduction of over 3000 ghost workers from the system.
In the year 2016, the number of roads completed was totaled 32 and 2 bridges whereas 26 roads are ongoing.
The Inland Water Way project at Obuaku (Obuaku River Port Complex) is on course. When completed, the project will connect the State to the Atlantic Ocean and large sea vessels will have easy access.
Abia State in 2016, was counted among states with constitutionally recognized government at all levels in the Country.
Local Government election in Abia has brought government closer to the people as well as deepened democracy and engendered socio-economic development at the grassroot levels . The election opened another opportunity for made in Abia campaign, as Government was able to cut expenses to as low as 50%, as over seventy percent (70%) of materials used for the election were locally made.
In year 2016, government saved huge amount through thorough checks, feasibility studies and monitoring of contracts by due process office. It formed part of the transparent qualities of Dr Ikpeazu’s led administration.
In 2016, Abia Govt acquired ambulances for quick response to accidents, vehicles to security personnel, to aid reduction of crime in the State while maintaining peaceful atmosphere for businesses to thrive.
Expectations of Abians in 2017
Abians expect that the State takes advantage of the construction window to intensify efforts aimed at completing some of the ongoing road projects across the State as well as beautify some with Streetlights where necessary.
Like earlier Stated, Abians will be glad to see a sign of the first ever major flyover in the State.
Renovation of schools and Construction of modern schools top some of the wishes of Abians.
It is also expected, that the State continues to emphasize on the agenda for made in Aba, as such will increase opportunities for job and improve IGR of the State.
Efforts at reducing ghost workers in the State should be intensified also.
Government should continue to make Agriculture attractive for the teeming population of the State and Nigerian at large.
It is expected that in 2017, people will pay their taxes willingly, our revenue will increase so that workers welfare will become more regular.
God bless Abia State.
Related Posts
Comments are closed.