By Milcah Tanimu
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced plans to secure loans to facilitate the implementation of the 2024 Budget. During a press briefing in Umuahia, Otti revealed that the Islamic Development Bank has approved a $125 million loan for the state, with additional funds from the African Development Bank also in the pipeline.
Otti emphasized a cautious approach to borrowing, noting that while commercial banks have offered loans, the state will only draw upon them as necessary, prioritizing repayment when liquidity allows.
Addressing concerns over wage awards and salary increases, Otti assured workers that his administration remains committed to addressing these issues, with a dedicated committee already established for this purpose. Furthermore, he pledged to resolve pension matters by the end of the month, with resolutions made during the recent executive council meeting.
In terms of infrastructure development, Otti outlined ambitious plans for road rehabilitation, expanding access to electricity, enhancing healthcare services, and revitalizing the education system. A significant focus will be on refurbishing 170 primary schools and 51 secondary schools by year-end to meet global standards.
To ensure the quality of education, Otti highlighted ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive training for teachers, leveraging support from multilateral agencies. Similarly, in healthcare, the government is committed to improving service delivery across the state.
Additionally, Otti underscored the government’s initiatives to enhance food security, emphasizing efforts to maximize agricultural productivity and cultivate all available land in Abia during the current planting season.