The Abia State Government has said that plans are underway to establish the new Umuahia City, as part of its transformation agenda for the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday, April 14, 2025, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting in Umuahia, the state capital.
Kanu said that the plan was in line with the State Government’s comprehensive Urban Renewal Agenda.
He said, “SEC has directed the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) to fast-track the development of a new Umuahia City.
He said that the move was in response to the need to expand and modernise the current cityscape, considered limited in size and infrastructure.
The commissioner also said that government had ordered the immediate renovation and retrofitting of the long-abandoned Vocational and Skill Acquisition Centre at Mgbarakuma, near Umuahia.
He said that the general manager of UCDA was instructed to ensure the facility was revived and made operational in the shortest possible time.
Kanu said that the government had taken a strong stance against the vandalism of government property.
He said that the Facility Manager of the Aba Textile Mill and two staff members were being detained over a case involving the theft and destruction of equipment at the mill.
He said that the government warned that anyone found vandalising public assets would face the full weight of the law.
On sports, he said that the state recorded significant achievements at the recently concluded maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival.
According to him, the state’s contingent won 33 medals – comprising nine gold, 10 silver, and 14 bronze.
Kanu further said that the state also successfully hosted the Under-12 and Under-15 handball championships, attracting participants from 12 states.
He also said that, in football, the Abia Warriors boosted their hopes of securing a CAF continental slot, after defeating Rivers United 2-0, maintaining third place on the Nigeria Premier League table.
“These successes underscore the unwavering commitment of Gov. Alex Otti’s administration to youth empowerment through sports,” the commissioner said.
On the creative front, Kanu said that an Aba-based artist, Mr. Nuel Geoffrey, was set to attempt a Guinness World Record by painting 300 faces in one hour to surpass the current record of 217, held by Gary Cole from United States of America.
He said that the event, which had received official Guinness approval, would take place on May 23 at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
He further said that the state Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy would be partnering with the artist for the record-breaking attempt, with all materials sourced locally from Aba.
Kanu argued that development in the state did not focus exclusively on physical infrastructure but also focuses on showcasing the creativity and talent of Abia people on the global stage.
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom