From Chief Mark Chukwu, Umuahia.
The Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) has praised Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, for dedicating 15% of the state’s budget to the health sector, describing the move as a major step toward improving healthcare delivery.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this known while briefing journalists at the Government House in Umuahia following the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Otti.
Kanu also revealed that after a recent visit by a World Bank medical team to Abia State, the state has been approved to benefit from a $250 million World Bank health security intervention fund for Nigeria.
According to him, a statewide free medical outreach commenced on April 14, 2026. Surgical procedures will be carried out at Aba General Hospital, while eye-related treatments will take place at the Abia Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in Umuahia. Additionally, services related to sexual and reproductive health will be handled at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic in Aba.
He noted that Abia’s inclusion in the World Bank-supported program is a direct result of ongoing reforms and improvements in the state’s healthcare system since the current administration assumed office.
Kanu further disclosed that the Federal Government’s Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport Programme has been launched in Abia, beginning with Bende, Obingwa, and Ukwa East Local Government Areas, which have recorded high maternal mortality rates.
He explained that the initiative is designed to provide timely emergency care and reduce maternal, child, and neonatal deaths across the state.
On education, the commissioner announced that the oral interview stage for the second batch of teacher recruitment has been concluded.
Candidates who were shortlisted after the recently conducted Computer-Based Test (CBT) will be notified of their results soon. He added that over 7,280 applicants scored above 40% in the examination.
Kanu also highlighted the launch of the Abia State Accelerated Basic Education Programme, which is designed to compress the six-year primary school curriculum into three years. The program is being implemented by the Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult, and Non-Formal Education.
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He encouraged residents who did not complete their basic education to take advantage of the initiative to obtain their First School Leaving Certificate.
