By Mark Chukwu | Umuahia
The Abia State Government has taken another step towards modernising its urban environment and public communication system with the unveiling of a pilot electronic advertising billboard beside the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) gate in Umuahia.
The project, unveiled on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, is an initiative of the Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA), implemented in partnership with a private sector organisation. It is expected to pave the way for the gradual replacement of conventional static advertising structures with modern digital billboard technology across the state.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described the development as another demonstration of Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to technological innovation, digital transformation and the creation of a business-friendly environment in Abia State.
According to the Commissioner, the installation represents more than an advancement in outdoor advertising, as it will also serve as an important communication channel for government activities and public information.
He explained that the electronic billboard would accommodate commercial advertisements, government announcements, public enlightenment campaigns, emergency notifications and other important information aimed at keeping residents and visitors informed.
Prince Kanu noted that the pilot facility was developed through collaboration between the state government and the private sector, adding that plans were underway to establish similar digital advertising platforms at strategic locations across Abia State.
He further explained that the initiative aligns with the development agenda of the Otti administration, which places emphasis on innovation, private sector participation, technological advancement and economic growth.
The Commissioner also highlighted the environmental and urban development benefits of digital advertising, noting that electronic billboards could help address the uncontrolled concentration of conventional advertising structures while creating a more organised and attractive urban landscape.
He therefore encouraged advertising agencies, corporate organisations, business owners and government institutions to utilise the new facility to promote their products, services and activities. He also called on residents to protect the infrastructure against vandalism, describing it as an important public asset.
Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ABSSAA, Elder Godwin Adindu, commended Governor Alex Otti for his support in making the project possible.
Elder Adindu disclosed that the electronic billboard was designed as a pilot initiative, with plans to replicate the facility in other strategic locations across the state in the coming months.
He explained that the project originated during the tenure of the agency’s former Chairman, Chief (Mrs.) Dibunma Onwubuiko, as part of efforts to transition Abia’s outdoor advertising industry from traditional methods to modern digital and electronic platforms.
According to him, the innovation would create additional opportunities for businesses, government agencies and other institutions to reach wider audiences while improving the visual appeal of urban centres across the state.
He described the installation as an important milestone in Abia’s development journey, noting that the adoption of digital advertising technology would bring the state’s outdoor advertising system closer to standards obtainable in major cities around the world.
The ABSSAA boss also expressed appreciation to the Governor for providing the encouragement and institutional support required to actualise the initiative.
Providing technical details about the installation, the project engineer, Engineer Temple Ogbonna Omeonu, identified the facility as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) digital advertising billboard supported by a solar-powered energy system.
He revealed that the solar installation incorporates a 60-kilowatt-hour battery storage capacity, designed to provide sufficient power for the billboard’s operational requirements.
Engineer Omeonu added that the installation was completed in November, while appreciating Governor Otti and the leadership of ABSSAA for their contributions towards the successful execution of the project.
The unveiling of the digital billboard signals the beginning of a broader effort to modernise outdoor advertising and public information delivery in Abia State.
With plans to extend the initiative to other strategic locations, the state government is positioning digital advertising as a tool for business promotion, improved public communication and urban beautification.
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The development is also expected to provide businesses with more flexible advertising opportunities while supporting Abia’s wider ambition of building a modern, technologically driven and investment-friendly state.
