Under the World Bank-assisted Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Programme (RAMP), the Abia State Government has contributed N3.5 billion to a counterpart fund to support the construction of agro-logistics centres and rural road development.
Following this week’s extended State Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, revealed this information at a press briefing held at Government House in Umuahia.
He said the initiatives, covering roughly ten local government regions, are expected to start shortly.
“With the state’s contribution now secured, we expect the World Bank to follow through so that the programme can kick off across the state,” Kanu stated.
He also announced that the Governor will commission one of the 20 completed Smart Schools in Umuahia on Tuesday, May 27, as part of activities marking his administration’s second anniversary.
In a significant legislative milestone, Kanu revealed that Governor Otti had signed into law 18 executive bills recently passed by the 8th Abia State House of Assembly. This brings the total number of executive bills signed into law since the administration assumed office in 2023 to 30.
“These legislative actions are critical to institutionalising the reforms and transformation already underway in the state,” Kanu noted, adding that tangible and far-reaching achievements have marked Governor Otti’s two years in office.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Kanu outlined a series of events lined up for the week: the Children’s Day celebration and a visit by the First Lady to orphanages and destitute homes on Tuesday, a public lecture on Wednesday by former Finance Minister Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, and a state broadcast and banquet on Thursday. The festivities will conclude on Friday, May 30, with a novelty football match between members of the executive and legislative arms.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister. Ikechukwu Uwanna noted that the newly enacted laws reflect the administration’s focus on reforming governance and delivering public services more efficiently.
These bills form the engine room for all the infrastructure and governance improvements we are witnessing across the state,” Uwanna said. He added that some agencies have been realigned to report to their respective line ministries rather than directly to the Governor’s Office, in a bid to improve institutional efficiency.
According to Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, the disbursement of the counterpart fund reaffirms the Governor’s commitment to rural development.
Felix stated, “Governor Otti’s commitment to delivering long-term infrastructure solutions in rural communities under RAMP is demonstrated by his approval of the N3.5 billion payment.”
She emphasised that Abia’s participation in the RAMP program puts the state in a position to improve agricultural productivity and promote sustainable development, especially in rural areas.
Source: Business Hallmark
Image Credit: Facebook
