KEY POINTS
- Festus Keyamo will launch the airport construction next week.
- Abia will build 20 new smart schools to modernize education.
- No recorded cases of COVID-19 XEC, M-pox, Lassa fever, or cholera in Abia.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo will inaugurate the construction of the Abia airport project next week.
The announcement was made by the Abia State Government on Monday, highlighting the project as a major boost for the administration’s infrastructure agenda.
Speaking to journalists after the State Executive Council meeting, Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu shared details of the upcoming project.
He explained that the initiative wasn’t originally a priority for the state government. However, following a federal government proposal to construct an airstrip in Abia, Governor Alex Otti saw an opportunity to partner with the federal government to upgrade it into a full-scale airport.
“The infrastructural agenda of the state government will receive a significant boost as the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, joins Governor Alex Otti to flag off the construction of the Abia Airport project next week,” Kanu said.
According to him, the collaboration between the federal and state governments will produce a runway that can handle larger aircraft.
Also, the project is expected to accelerate economic growth in the region and position Abia as a key player in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Education reforms: Smart schools to be built in 17 LGAs
In addition to the airport project, the Abia State Government is set to establish 20 “smart schools” across the state’s 17 local government areas.
This initiative is part of Governor Otti’s broader vision to modernize Abia’s education sector and ensure students are equipped with 21st-century learning tools.
Information Commissioner Okey Kanu confirmed that existing school infrastructure would be used to implement the smart school system. The initiative will run alongside the ongoing renovation of schools across the state.
According to Punch, the government has also reaffirmed its commitment to providing free education up to the junior secondary school level.
As part of this effort, a new law requiring mandatory school attendance for all children will come into effect on January 1, 2025.
Governor Otti has directed the Commissioner for Education to ensure that the policy is fully enforced.
Meanwhile, Commissioner for Basic Education, Goodluck Ubochi, revealed that the smart schools would initially focus on secondary schools before expanding further.
Furthermore, this move is intended to create a learning environment that meets global standards and prepares students to compete on an international level.
Public health update: No cases of XEC variant or other diseases
In a related development, the Abia State Government has provided updates on the state’s public health status.
Commissioner Okey Kanu reassured the public that there are no reported cases of the new COVID-19 variant, XEC, within the state. He urged residents to maintain proper hygiene practices and remain vigilant.
In addition, the state has been declared free of M-pox, diphtheria, Lassa fever, and cholera. To bolster the state’s emergency response, the Emergency Operations Centre located at the Abia State Insurance building has been handed over to the Ministry of Health.
Moreover, this facility will serve as a central hub for managing emergency disease outbreaks and other public health crises.
Kanu further assured residents that security measures are in place to ensure a peaceful festive season.
He emphasized that the government would work to maintain peace and security for residents and visitors throughout the holiday period.
