Abia State Government has approved a statewide tree planting campaign as part of its green initiative to combat climate change, enhance public health and promote sustainable development.
Okey Kanu, State’s Commissioner for Information, disclosed this on Monday, during a press briefing at Government House, Umuahia, while giving an update on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting.
According to him, tree planting will not only improve climatic conditions, reduce erosion, and capture carbon, but would also beautify the environment, foster civic pride, and boost tourism. Economically, it is expected to cut flooding costs and make the state more attractive to investors.
“Beyond its environmental and economic value, this campaign will stand as a governance legacy, positioning Abia, as a modern and sustainable State”, Kanu stated.
On flood control, the Commissioner urged residents to keep drains and gutters clear of refuse in line with NIMET’s flood alert, adding that the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), is working round the clock in Aba and Umuahia, to free blocked drainage systems. He appealed to citizens to desist from dumping waste in waterways.
Kanu, further announced that Abia would join the global community in celebrating World Cleanup Day on September 25, with ASEPA partnering various groups to ensure a successful exercise.
Highlighting the Government’s infrastructure agenda, he revealed that six new roads would soon be inaugurated, bringing the total number of inaugurated road projects under Governor Alex Otti’s Administration to 39. These include the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Ohafia Road, Port Harcourt Road, and Ohanku Road, among others.
He clarified the distinction between inaugurated road projects and direct labour works, noting that while 52 direct labour projects were undertaken recently, six have been completed and two new ones added, including Kenahia Avenue and Oumuelenia Spa Road in Umuahia. Completed works include the construction of Obunamiri Drive in Ehimira Station, the Northern Approach to Muli Bridge in Ohafia, and the asphalt overlay of Abiriba Road.
Currently, 30 additional roads are under contract, with contractors making steady progress despite heavy rains.
On healthcare, Kanu announced that the recruitment of health workers is advancing smoothly, noting that out of 2,035 applications received, 1,752 had been shortlisted, with 1,404 applicants completing the CBT assessment in two batches, while interviews for successful candidates are ongoing.
He also disclosed that the Government had reintroduced sanitary inspection services as part of its “Keep Abia Clean initiative”, officially launched in August 2025.
He said that so far, inspectors had visited 4,500 premises across 85 communities with the directive to enforce only established environmental fines and avoid extortion.
“Sanitary inspectors are not out to cause pain for Abians, but to ensure a clean, healthy environment for all”, Kanu emphasised.
