Abia Records Historic Strides in Healthcare and Economic Renewal

Abia State is charting a new path of development, renewal, and transformation under the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR. Unfolding developments in health, industry, and the environment point to an ambitious and forward-thinking agenda that continues to yield tangible dividends to citizens.

This was made known by the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu in Umuahia the state capital. He highlighted the progress made so far in revitalizing various sectors of the economy.

*Healthcare Transformation on Track*

Abia Social Health Insurance Scheme has crossed a landmark in its existence, having surpassed its 2025 enrolment target of 100,000 beneficiaries. The scheme has enrolled over 103,000 citizens as of August 17, with the enrolment of the informal sector set to start this week—extending quality healthcare to even more families.

The state’s flagship Project Ekwueme is revolutionizing the provision of primary healthcare. 121 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been completed so far. 17 of them are already fully operational, 33 are being equipped in phases, with the remaining to be completed in phases. The current phase is scheduled to be concluded on October 31, 2025. This has already restored public confidence in Abia’s health system, with ABSUTH bed occupancy rising from 50% in August 2024 to 100% as of March 2025.

In a bid to institutionalize reforms, the Ministry of Health created two new departments—the Abia Drug and Medical Commodities Management Agency and the Department of Nutrition—in tandem with federal moves to harmonize health systems. The State Executive Council also endorsed the Abia State Health, Safety and Environment Policy, a proactive step to safeguard the well-being of civil servants.

*Economic Revitalisation Through Industrial Revival*

Economically, Abia is resuscitating its dead industries. The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has finally approved the sale of the moribund Star Paper Mill to the state government. Arrangements are underway to resuscitate the facility, in addition to similar efforts to bring Afro Beverages, Aba Textile Mills, International Equitable Association, and Ken Biscuits back to life. These projects will create thousands of jobs and expand the revenue base of the state.

*Environmental Renewal: Keeping Abia Clean*

The Ministry of Environment has commenced a house-to-house sanitary inspection in all the 17 LGAs under the Keeping Abia State Clean Initiative. Defaulters would be prosecuted based on state environmental laws, rendering the environment cleaner and healthier for the people.

Abia State’s steady progress is a testimony to the resilience of its people and the transformational vision of Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s administration. With every new milestone, the state draws closer to a future marked by prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development.