The Abia Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, says the newly passed Abia Start-Up bill will serve as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.
Kanu disclosed this on Monday at the Government House, Umuahia, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.
Kanu said the bill was sponsored by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
According to him, once Gov. Alex Otti assents to it, the state would have an established framework that would further drive the government’s efforts to build a vibrant economy.
He said that the bill seeks to create an enabling environment for start-ups and innovators to thrive.
He said that the bill aligning with the administration’s vision focuses on making Abia a hub for technology-driven enterprises.
The commissioner further said that upon the governor’s assent, the state government would set up the Abia State Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Board.
He said that the board would be given the responsibility to coordinate activities that promote creativity, digital skills and start-up growth in the state.
He further said that a dedicated Abia Start-up Portal would also be launched for emerging businesses.
He said that the Abia Technology and Innovation Summit would hold from Dec. 10 to Dec. 12, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, focusing on the implementation of the Start-up Law.
He said that the event would feature a Start-up Innovation Challenge for graduates of the Abia TechRise Programme and other innovators across the state.
Kanu also disclosed that the state would host the 44th National Council of Civil Service Commissions Conference from Nov. 30 to Dec. 5, with more than 600 participants expected.
On infrastructure, Kanu said the Ministry of Works currently had 48 direct labour projects across the state, with five completed and five newly approved, as part of the administration’s Zero Pothole Initiative to improve road networks.
He affirmed the government’s commitment to innovation, infrastructure renewal and efficient service delivery for sustainable development.
