By Aaior K. Comfort
The Abia State Government has announced a postponement of the resumption date for both public and private schools for the 2024/2025 academic session. The new resumption date is now set for Wednesday, September 23, 2024, instead of the previously scheduled Monday, September 16, 2024.
Prince Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information, made the announcement during a press briefing following this week’s Executive Council meeting in Umuahia. He cited a coinciding Muslim holiday as the reason for the rescheduling.
In addition to the rescheduled school resumption, Kanu announced that the second batch of teacher training will begin on September 11 and conclude on September 20. The training will be held simultaneously at three centers in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia, targeting 1,800 teachers. This initiative is part of the ongoing transformation agenda in the education sector.
The commissioner also revealed that over 200 teachers were trained in the first batch, and this is a key component of the preparations for the upcoming school year.
Moreover, Kanu disclosed that the state government has granted a 90-day moratorium for property owners in Aba to register their properties at the old rate, rather than the new, higher rate. This decision reflects the governor’s compassionate approach to governance.
Director General of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Mr. Uche Ukaeje, supported this move, noting that it effectively waives penalties for those who built without approvals, describing it as a “Christmas gift” for property owners.
Additionally, Kanu highlighted that Abia State has been selected as one of six states to represent Nigeria at an international medical symposium in Ghana. The program, known as HOPE (Human Capital Opportunity for Prosperity and Equity), is a collaborative initiative between the World Bank and the Federal Government, recognizing Abia’s progress in health sector reforms.
The “Light Up Abia Initiative” has seen the installation of 4,346 solar lights across 86 locations in the state, aimed at enhancing security and improving living conditions. The Abia Electricity Bill, which has passed its second reading in the State House of Assembly, is expected to further reform the power sector by establishing the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority and the Abia State Rural Electrification Agency.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, affirmed that Governor Alex Otti’s administration is dedicated to transforming the state and driving development forward.