Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced plans to revolutionise the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ecosystem in the state to create job opportunities for the younger generation.
Speaking during his New Year broadcast, the Governor highlights the state government’s commitment to leverage technology for economic growth and youth empowerment.
“I recently approved a proposal that would revolutionize the ICT ecosystem in the state. When it becomes operational later in the month, the embedded systems and protocols would enable the younger generation of Ndi Abia to make the most of the emerging opportunities in the 21st-century global economy defined by borderless connections and seamless communication across geographical locations,” Governor Otti says.
The Governor also expresses his enthusiasm about the initiative’s potential, emphasising its benefits for job creation and global collaboration. “I expect,” Governor Otti says, “that the benefits in terms of job opportunities and a platform for collaboration with peers from different parts of the world would come soon.”
Governor Otti of Abia State: We want younger generation to harness opportunities in 21st-century global economy
The Governor also expresses his enthusiasm about the initiative’s potential, emphasising its benefits for job creation and global collaboration. “I expect,” Governor Otti says, “that the benefits in terms of job opportunities and a platform for collaboration with peers from different parts of the world would come soon.”
In relations to the production, manufacturing, agro-machinery operations and tools handling, the Governor has promised to give deserved attention to the agricultural sector to improve food production in the state. “We shall give greater attention to the agricultural sector in the New Year in pursuance of our resolve to achieve food sufficiency and create rewarding employment opportunities for our women and young people.”
Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s focus on education and youth empowerment, announcing that 35% of the state’s 2025 budget would be allocated to health and education sectors. As part of this commitment, the government has introduced a new law mandating that all children of school age must be in school during school hours. The law takes effect immediately as schools prepare to resume for the new term.
According to him, “we have stopped all forms of payments in the primary and secondary schools, not even PTA levies should be charged any parent or guardian in any public school in the state. We have introduced an imprest account system for the running of schools.”
Under the plan, the imprest system will provide head teachers and school principals specific sums every month for managing the day-to-day operations of their schools. “Therefore, there will be no excuse to extort or deny any child the opportunities that come with learning and enlightenment. We shall be strict with enforcement and it will be a grievous mistake to test our will,” Governor Otti adds.
The Governor also announced steps to promote growth in the healthcare sector. Among the highlights is the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for the Abia Medical City Project, which aims to revolutionise healthcare delivery in the region, reduce medical tourism, and retain top medical talents.
“The Project promises to revolutionise the healthcare delivery ecosystem in the region, cut down the rate of medical tourism and provide incentives for the retention of top medical talents in the state,” he says.
Additionally, the ongoing renovation of 200 primary healthcare centers is set to be completed in the first quarter of the year, enhancing access to quality healthcare services, particularly in rural communities
Acknowledging the tough economic realities faced by many citizens, the Governor reveals that the state has earmarked ₦18.9 billion in order to support economically vulnerable individuals and families in the New Year.
“While we insist that wealth and prosperity cannot be built through hand-outs, it is also a statement of fact that many will find it difficult to survive in the short run without a structured system of social support.” he adds.
The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment to attract investments, generate jobs, and support local entrepreneurs. “Abia is very open for business, and we are ready to provide every necessary support to genuine investors.”
In addition to ICT and healthcare, the state government is intensifying efforts to rebuild critical infrastructure and ensure the security of lives and property, Governor Otti adds. He spoke about ongoing projects, including the restoration of long-abandoned public infrastructure such as the Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, Port Harcourt Road in Aba, and Ohanku Roads.
“No obstacle is too difficult to surmount when there is the sincere will to get things done,” he says while reaffirming the state’s commitment to prioritising the security of life and properties. “We shall not hesitate to deploy the full might of the government against any individual or group whose activities pose a threat to the safety of our people.”
Governor Otti also outlined plans to support artisans and entrepreneurs through vocational training and capacity development programmes. He highlights the administration’s sponsorship of young people in vocational skills training at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic in Aba and promised more training sessions in 2025.
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