Even as states in Nigeria’s North grapple with existential security challenges, some southern states continue to push forward with strategic development initiatives.
One such state is Abia, where Governor Alex Otti has assented to the Startup Bill passed by the House of Assembly, officially enacting it as the Abia State Startup Law, 2025.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held in Umuahia.
Kanu said the law was designed to domesticate and implement the Nigerian Startup Act, 2022 within Abia State.
According to him, the legislation provides a framework to promote innovation, support technology-enabled startups, nurture digital talent, and position Abia as a hub for technology and innovation.
“The law applies to companies with major operations in Abia and startups duly recognised and labelled under the national Act,” he said.
The commissioner also announced plans to roll out a state-owned electric bus mass transit system under the Abia Transport Transformation Project.
He said the first batch of 20 electric buses arrived in November, while another 20 are expected early next year. About 100 buses will be deployed in the first phase of the project.
Kanu explained that the 40-seater buses, which are custom-built for Abia, can travel up to 400 kilometres on a single charge.
He added that the buses are equipped with modern safety and comfort features, including surveillance cameras, charging ports, disability access, emergency exits and fire extinguishers.
According to him, the initiative will position Abia at the forefront of clean and environmentally friendly mass transit in Nigeria.
On long-term planning, Kanu disclosed that the Abia 25-Year Development Plan would be unveiled on Tuesday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. He said the event would attract development partners, advisory council members, local government chairmen, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
In the health sector, the commissioner said the Abia Global Medical Mission commenced on Monday and would run until December 20, 2025, offering free advanced medical services across designated centres in the state.
He also announced that 850 youths would graduate from the second cohort of the Abia Techrise ICT Training Programme on Saturday, bringing the total number of beneficiaries trained under the programme in 2025 to 1,399.
Kanu further said the Ministry of Works was carrying out direct labour interventions on major roads ahead of the yuletide.
He urged residents to remain vigilant during the festive season and report suspicious activities to security agencies, noting that security agencies have been placed on full alert to protect lives and property across the state.
