By Ngozi Nwatu, Umuahia
Government of Abia State has released N3.5 bn as counterpart funding for the implementation of road infrastructure and agro-logistics hubs across 10 local government areas of the state under the World Bank-Supported Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project ,RAMP.
The State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media briefing at Government House, Umuahia, following an expanded State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
“So, the state has paid its own counterpart funds and we expect that with a similar action from the World Bank, that, that project will kick off around the state”, Kanu said.
He described the initiative as a critical investment in opening up rural communities to economic opportunities, especially in agriculture, where logistics and access remain a challenge for smallholder farmers.
According to him, project implementation will commence as soon as the World Bank fulfil its financial commitment.
Kanu also announced that one of the 20 Smart Schools built by the present administration would be commissioned on Tuesday in Umuahia as part of activities marking the second anniversary of Governor Otti’s assumption of office.
A week-long line-up of events has been scheduled to celebrate the anniversary, beginning with the Children’s Day celebration and a visit to destitute homes and orphanages by the First Lady, Priscilla Otti.
On Wednesday, May 28, a public lecture will be delivered by a former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu.
Governor Otti is also expected to deliver a traditional state broadcast on Thursday, May 29, which will be followed by a parade and a state banquet in the evening. The celebrations will close on Friday, May 30, with a novelty football match between members of the state’s executive and legislative arms.
Speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, underscored the long-term benefits of the counterpart fund payment, particularly for rural communities.
“Recently, His Excellency has demonstrated once again his commitment to the development of our rural communities by investing in long-term solutions as regards road infrastructure under the Abia States Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project.
“He recently approved the payment of the counterpart fund to the tune of 3.5bn Naira, which is a key requirement for all states who are participating on the rural access project. Abia is one of the states”, she stated.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, was also present at the press briefing
