By Steve Oko UMUAHIA — The Abia State Government has approved the establishment of six modern greenhouses across the state’s three senatorial zones as part of Governor Alex Otti’s efforts to boost year-round food production, strengthen food security and modernise agriculture. Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Otti. He said the council approved the construction of two greenhouses in each of the three senatorial districts to facilitate the cultivation of vegetables under controlled climatic conditions throughout the year.
Kanu also announced the constitution of a planning committee for the implementation and commissioning of the Nigeria Agri-Business and Agro-Industrial Development Initiative, a joint federal-state programme designed to unlock Abia’s agricultural and agro-industrial potential through value addition, agro-processing and economic diversification. He said the date for the commissioning of the initiative would be announced after further consultations with relevant federal government officials. As part of efforts to promote commerce and industrial growth, the commissioner said preparations had begun for the third Aba International Trade Fair, themed “Aba: The Pride of Nigeria – Innovation, Trade and Industrial Growth.” According to him, this year’s edition will feature simultaneous exhibition and conference sessions to enhance business networking and attract investment opportunities.
Kanu further disclosed that the Ministry of Trade and Commerce is partnering with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to train and certify Abia entrepreneurs for export readiness. He said the initiative is aimed at eliminating counterfeit products and improving the global competitiveness of Made-in-Aba products. On infrastructure, the commissioner said the Ministry of Works currently has 26 road projects under contract, while direct labour interventions are ongoing at 46 locations across the state despite the challenges posed by heavy rainfall.
He added that the State Executive Council had approved rainy-season maintenance on sections of the 52-kilometre Opobo Junction–Azumini–Obehie Road, a federal highway rehabilitated by the state government because of its strategic importance. According to him, maintenance work is also o…
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