The Abia State Government under the leadership of Dr. Alex Otti, has released N3.5 billion as its counterpart funding for the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Programme (RAAMP), paving the way for road upgrades and the establishment of agro-logistics hubs across 10 local government areas.
Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday during a media briefing at Government House, Umuahia, following the week’s expanded State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Otti.
According to Kanu, the payment fulfills the state's obligation under the RAAMP framework, and project execution is expected to begin shortly, pending matching action from development partners, including the World Bank.
“The state has paid its counterpart fund, and once the World Bank completes its part, the projects will commence across the benefiting LGAs,” he said.
Kanu also announced that the governor will commission one of the 20 Smart Schools already completed in Umuahia on Tuesday, May 27, in line with commitments made during a recent interdenominational thanksgiving service.
He further revealed that Governor Otti has signed into law 18 executive bills recently passed by the 8th Abia State House of Assembly, bringing the total number of executive bills enacted since Otti took office to 30.
“This landmark achievement aims to institutionalise the reforms and developmental strides witnessed in the state under Governor Otti’s leadership,” Kanu said, describing the administration’s first two years as transformative.
Outlining activities for the governor’s second anniversary celebration, Kanu said the weeklong events will kick off on Tuesday, May 27, with Children’s Day festivities and a visit by the First Lady to orphanages and destitute homes.
Other highlights include:
Wednesday, May 28: Public lecture by former Finance Minister Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu
Thursday, May 29: Governor’s state broadcast, anniversary parade, and a state banquet
Friday, May 30: A novelty football match between members of the executive and legislative arms of government
Speaking at the briefing, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, emphasised that the newly signed laws form the “engine block” of the government’s reform agenda.
“These laws provide the legal framework for the infrastructure upgrades, road constructions, and sweeping reforms taking place across Abia. They reflect the governor’s commitment to institutionalising change and ensuring sustainability,” Uwanna said.
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