18/03/2026
I am pleased to announce that the Abia State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has recorded significant policy, health, and economic milestones.
A major highlight is the successful production of a draft policy manual to guide the implementation of the Senior Citizens Law No. 4 of 2025. This document, developed by the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, provides clear modalities for implementing the law and addressing public misconceptions. The law is designed to ensure the participation, dignity, care, and social protection of elderly citizens, covering their health, psychological well-being, housing, nutrition, and overall welfare. It is important to clarify that the law is not centered on cash handouts but rather institutionalizes structured support systems already in place for senior citizens.
In addition, the government is advancing plans to strengthen the institutional framework supporting senior citizens, including the establishment of a governing board and relocation of the office to a permanent site, with the full policy document expected by April.
In line with our economic transformation agenda, the state is also set to launch a comprehensive Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Policy through the Ministry of Industry and SMEs. This policy will provide a robust framework to enhance access to finance, promote market equity, stimulate job creation, and target a 30% contribution to the state’s GDP by 2030, positioning Abia as a leading business destination.
To further deepen citizen engagement, the government will soon unveil a Citizens Contact Centre, an innovative platform designed to improve communication, streamline feedback, and make governance more accessible and responsive to the people.
In the health sector, the Abia State University Teaching Hospital has secured full accreditation from the West African College of Physicians for professional training for Abia state health workers in Community Medicine for a five-year period, reflecting the remarkable turnaround of the facility.
Additionally, the state will host a free medical outreach in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas from April 11 to 17, 2026, offering consultations, surgeries, eye care services, and professional training.
The Ministry of Health is also partnering with the Jimmy Carter Foundation to provide free hydrocele surgeries across designated health facilities, while digital health initiatives and the implementation of the CONHESS salary structure for local government health workers are progressing steadily.
Furthermore, construction has commenced on the Ukwa East General Hospital, with a nine-month completion timeline, reinforcing our commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure.
On public health surveillance, I am pleased to report that no case of Lassa fever has been recorded in Abia State, as proactive measures have been intensified across border communities to prevent any outbreak.
These developments reflect our administration’s unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, social protection, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all Abians.
