LIGHT UP ABIA INITIATIVE 8,457 STREET LIGHTS INSTALLED IN 147 COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE

LIGHT UP ABIA INITIATIVE
8,457 STREET LIGHTS INSTALLED IN 147 COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE

David Maduako — Umuahia

Abia State Government says over 8,457 street lights have been installed across 147 communities in the state, while tourism and sports are to receive attention to boost revenue generation and job creation.

The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced this on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia, while briefing the press on the outcome of the week’s Executive Council meeting.

The Commissioner said 8,631 street lights were procured, out of which 8,457 have been installed in various communities, while more are to be procured for total illumination of the state.

He disclosed that the government has introduced a Sports Management Programme at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic.

This, he said, would help absorb retired or injured sportsmen and women into sports management. When they can no longer perform on the field, they can enroll in the programme, obtain OND or HND in Sports Management, and continue as sports managers.

He noted that it is the desire of the state governor to develop sports and tourism in the state. He added that the first set of candidates for the programme has been matriculated by the Polytechnic.

He equally expressed the government’s satisfaction with the state’s performance in sports, noting that the state performed well in the just-concluded maiden South-East Darts Competition and Teqball League held recently at the Sports Club, Aba…

Prince Kanu made it known that the Executive Council has approved the renovation of the Arochukwu Waterfalls (Ibom) in Arochukwu LGA.

He said other tourist centres such as Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum in Umuahia would receive similar attention, adding that the state and federal authorities have entered into an agreement to this effect.

He explained that the move is aimed at unlocking the tourism potential of the state for increased revenue generation and job creation.
Prince Kanu revealed that the Abia State Special Sports Economic Zone (ASES) is receiving priority attention from the state government.

The initiative, he said, aims at harnessing the creative ingenuity of Aba-based artisans who specialize in fashion, leatherworks, and sportswear production to establish a sportswear hub for Abia, Nigeria, and the African market.

He added that this collaboration between Sports Nigeria and the Abia State Government would enhance revenue generation and tackle youth unemployment.

On power and public utilities, the Commissioner stated that the government’s grid extension and power restoration initiatives are progressing steadily across affected communities, particularly in Ukwa East and Abam in Arochukwu LGA.

He disclosed that power needs assessments have been completed in Ukwa East communities, while rehabilitation works on power lines from Amuvi to Arochukwu, terminating at Omenuko Bridge, have been concluded.

Providing updates on road infrastructure, he said that direct labour works are currently ongoing at 52 locations across the state.

Additionally, 29 road projects under contract are ongoing, while two direct labour projects including a 540-metre road at Mater Dei Cathedral and a 214-metre emergency maintenance work in Isieketa, Isiala Ngwa South LGA have been completed.

New additions include drainage construction at Awomukwu–Umuosoko Road in Ikwuano and the development of a 265-metre stretch of Ubu Avenue in Ehimiri Housing Estate, Umuahia.

End.