WE HAVE FIXED 70 ROADS, THOUSANDS OF JOBS ARE UNDERWAY — ABIA COMMISSIONER

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

Abia State Government says its programmes and policies are aimed at strengthening the private sector for job creation in the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, alongside others stated this while briefing journalists at the government house on the outcome of this week’s executive council meeting.

Prince Kanu explained that government was intentional about job creation but noted with concern the over bloated 50.7% employment rate in the state.

According to the Commissioner, there will be job opportunities for thousands of people with the machineries set in motion within the past 11 months of the Gov. Alex Otti led administration.

He further explained that within the period under review, Abia State Government had fixed 70 roads in Aba and Umuahia, offset the pension arrears and restored full payment of pension to pensioners in the state.

The Commissioner announced that Isieketa-Obikabia Road was last week completed, while other ongoing road projects, including Ossah, Port Harcourt Road Aba, Umuahia -Uzuakoli-Isukwuato-Ohafia road, the Nunya-Isukwuato road, Arochukwu-Ndi-okereke -Ozu Abam road among other road projects were in progress.

Responding to questions from newsmen, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, said the present administration prioritized workers’ welfare, noting that the government is currently monitoring organised labour negotiations with the federal government on the issue of salary increment.

He assured that the state government would make a announcement at the appropriate time in line with what it can afford.

Mr. Ekeke frown on the incessant harassment of Abia residents in Aba by the Rapid Response Team of the Nigerian Police, saying that the government would not tolerate such in the state.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU