From Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has announced plans to launch the third batch of its TechRise Youth Empowerment Programme while also confirming the completion of the 1.25-kilometre Madonna Hospital Road located off Aba–Umuahia Road in Umuahia.
The announcement was made by the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Kanu, the TechRise programme is part of the government’s broader strategy to equip young people in the state with valuable digital and technology-driven skills that can improve employment opportunities and innovation.
He explained that the registration portal for Batch 3 will soon be opened to interested applicants. Details regarding the application process and registration dates will be made public once the portal goes live.
Kanu noted that the programme has already recorded significant participation, with about 1,350 youths benefiting from the first two cohorts of the initiative.
“In continuation of the strategic empowerment of Abia youths through capacity building in digital technology, the state government will soon launch cohort three of the programme,” he said.
Beyond youth empowerment, the commissioner highlighted ongoing improvements in road infrastructure across the state.
He revealed that direct labour road projects are currently ongoing in 49 locations, while 31 additional road projects are being handled by contractors across Abia.
Among the recently completed projects is the 1.25-kilometre Madonna Hospital Road in Umuahia, which is expected to improve access and ease traffic along the busy Aba–Umuahia corridor.
Kanu also disclosed that four additional road projects have been added to the maintenance schedule of the Ministry of Works. These include:
Okporoenyi–Isupu Road in Bende (1km)
Akara Junction to Ovim Bridge Road in Isuikwuato (4.71km)
Obinulo Roundabout to Nkeoagu Secretariat Gate Road in Umunneochi (8.6km)
Nkeoagu Junction to Nkeoagu Mbala–Isochi Road in Umunneochi (5.2km)
The government also confirmed the completion of Section Three of the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Ohafia Road project, measuring approximately 22.5 kilometres. This brings the total completed length of the road to about 67.7 kilometres.
Kanu recalled that the first two sections of the project, totaling 45.7 kilometres, were commissioned last year by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He explained that the final section experienced delays after contractors discovered soil conditions that required redesign and fresh approval from the governor before construction could proceed.
The commissioner further announced that Abia’s mass transit programme has moved from a completely free transport system to a subsidised commercial model, which took effect on March 1, 2026.
Under the new arrangement, the government will cover 50 percent of transport fares on all inter-city and intra-city bus routes operated under the state’s mass transit scheme.
The shift, according to Kanu, is intended to ensure the long-term sustainability of the transport system while introducing electronic ticketing through the Abia Connect Card.
He added that obtaining the Abia State Social Identification Number is now a requirement for residents who wish to obtain the transport card.
To support the rollout, the Ministry of Transport, the Harmonized Taskforce, Homeland Security, and the Abia State Road Traffic Management Agency have launched extensive public sensitization campaigns at bus stops and shelters across the state.
Enumerators and agents have also been deployed to help commuters register and load funds onto their transport cards.
Kanu disclosed that 202,601 passengers used the state’s mass transit buses between December 24, 2025, and March 8, 2026, describing the initiative as successful and widely accepted by residents.
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He also revealed that the state currently operates 70 bus shelters, with 30 located in Umuahia and 40 in Aba. All shelters in Umuahia are operational, while 38 shelters in Aba are already functioning, with two additional ones nearing completion.
The briefing was attended by the Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.