By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — The Abia State Government has approved the establishment of six modern greenhouses across the state’s three senatorial zones as part of Governor Alex Otti’s efforts to boost year-round food production, strengthen food security and modernise agriculture.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Otti.

He said the council approved the construction of two greenhouses in each of the three senatorial districts to facilitate the cultivation of vegetables under controlled climatic conditions throughout the year.

Kanu also announced the constitution of a planning committee for the implementation and commissioning of the Nigeria Agri-Business and Agro-Industrial Development Initiative, a joint federal-state programme designed to unlock Abia’s agricultural and agro-industrial potential through value addition, agro-processing and economic diversification.

He said the date for the commissioning of the initiative would be announced after further consultations with relevant federal government officials.

As part of efforts to promote commerce and industrial growth, the commissioner said preparations had begun for the third Aba International Trade Fair, themed “Aba: The Pride of Nigeria – Innovation, Trade and Industrial Growth.”

According to him, this year’s edition will feature simultaneous exhibition and conference sessions to enhance business networking and attract investment opportunities.

Kanu further disclosed that the Ministry of Trade and Commerce is partnering with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to train and certify Abia entrepreneurs for export readiness. He said the initiative is aimed at eliminating counterfeit products and improving the global competitiveness of Made-in-Aba products.

On infrastructure, the commissioner said the Ministry of Works currently has 26 road projects under contract, while direct labour interventions are ongoing at 46 locations across the state despite the challenges posed by heavy rainfall.

He added that the State Executive Council had approved rainy-season maintenance on sections of the 52-kilometre Opobo Junction–Azumini–Obehie Road, a federal highway rehabilitated by the state government because of its strategic importance.

According to him, maintenance work is also ongoing on the road linking the Cottage Hospital to the Ukwa East Local Government Headquarters.

Speaking on urban renewal, Kanu said the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) had intensified the desilting of drainage channels in flood-prone parts of the state capital to reduce flooding.

He listed the affected areas to include Asaba Street Junction, Shoprite–Uwalaka Road, Ndume Road, Winners Church axis, Church of Christ Road and Finbarr Road, among others.

The commissioner also disclosed that the government is reviewing the status of several markets within and around Umuahia, including Ogwumabiri Market near Abia Tower, with a view to either redeveloping or relocating them in line with the state’s urban renewal programme.

“The way these markets are currently situated does not align with the urban renewal vision of the state government,” Kanu said.

He further announced government intervention in the erosion menace affecting Emede Ibeku Community, stating that approval had been granted to the UCDA to commence erosion control works after the completion of the procurement process.

On housing development, Kanu said work is progressing steadily at the Green City Site and Services Estate in Ukwa West Local Government Area, where perimeter fencing has been completed while the construction of internal roads and culverts is ongoing.