The Abia State Government has announced plans to commence the Pocket Layout Industrial Estate Project as part of efforts to address housing needs and drive urban development, while also revealing that the Enyimba Automated Shoe Company and Enyimba Garments Factory in Aba have resumed full operations after years of inactivity.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the resolutions reached at the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said the housing project, designed to provide functional and affordable homes for Abians, had reached an advanced procurement stage, with bids from prospective contractors already opened.
He noted that successful bidders would be unveiled within the next week, paving the way for the commencement of work ahead of the official flag-off ceremony.
According to him, the project will be executed at two locations — the Old Civil Service Commission premises and the former Abia Hotels site.
"The Old Civil Service Commission area has been fully cleared and parcelled and is ready for allocation to contractors, while work is progressing at the former Abia Hotels site, which is expected to be ready for allocation within the next two weeks," he said.
Kanu also highlighted the revival of the Enyimba Automated Shoe Company and Enyimba Garments Factory, describing it as a major milestone in the state's industrialisation agenda.
He said the factories had returned to full production following reforms introduced by the Governor Alex Otti administration and the appointment of a new management team in 2025.
According to the commissioner, both facilities now operate five production lines each and have been equipped with modern manufacturing and finishing machinery.
"The factories are now developing new brands capable of competing in international markets, while workers enjoy improved welfare through regular salary payments," Kanu stated.
He added that the facilities have been transformed into modern production hubs capable of producing footwear and garments that meet international standards, thereby creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
On road infrastructure, the commissioner announced that Governor Otti had approved immediate intervention works on the flood-prone section of the Ogbor Hill–Azumini Road near Ovom.
He explained that although the road belongs to the Federal Government, the state was compelled to intervene because of its importance to residents and businesses operating along the corridor.
"The intervention is intended to provide temporary relief during the rainy season while discussions continue with the Federal Government on a permanent solution," he said.
Kanu also addressed concerns surrounding the recently commissioned Ogbo Central Smart School, insisting that the facility remains a public primary school that has been transformed into a technology-driven learning centre.
He disclosed that the school currently has about 390 pupils, each equipped with a personal learning tablet, and features ICT laboratories, a modern library, smart classrooms, off-grid solar power systems, disability-friendly infrastructure, fire safety installations and a comprehensive security system.
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to free education in all Smart Schools across the state.
"Education in Abia Smart Schools remains completely free. Admissions are transparent and merit-based, and claims that places are reserved for children of government officials or privileged families are completely false," Kanu said.
The commissioner further revealed that expansion work is ongoing at the School Road Primary School Smart School to increase its capacity from 300 to 1,000 pupils in response to growing enrolment.
He explained that Smart Boards and other teaching facilities temporarily removed during the construction phase would be reinstalled upon completion of the project.
Kanu added that several other Smart Schools are nearing completion and would be commissioned before the start of the new academic session in September.
He said the decisions taken at the Executive Council meeting reflect the administration's determination to deepen infrastructure development, promote industrial growth, expand access to quality education and improve the overall welfare of Abia residents.
"Our administration remains committed to building a prosperous, inclusive and globally competitive Abia State through deliberate investments in critical sectors," he said.
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