Abia State Government Postpones Tinubu’s Visit and Project Inaugurations, Unveils Anniversary Activities
The Abia State Government has officially announced the postponement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled visit to the state and the inauguration of key infrastructural projects.
The President was earlier slated to commission the 6.7-kilometre Port Harcourt Road in Aba and flag off the Abia Medical City project on Friday, May 23, 2025. These events have now been rescheduled for June due to the President’s demanding schedule.
This was made known by the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing held in Umuahia on Tuesday.
According to Kanu, although the formal commissioning has been postponed, residents of Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state, will host a carnival on Wednesday, May 21, to celebrate the developmental strides witnessed under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
Kanu clarified that the carnival is entirely community-driven and not sponsored by the government. “Let me joyfully inform you that despite the change in schedule, Aba residents will be organizing a major carnival to celebrate completed projects in the city.
It is important to note that this event is not government-sponsored. The state will not contribute financially. This initiative by the people is a strong endorsement of the positive impact the government’s efforts are having,” he said.
Additionally, the Commissioner outlined a series of activities marking the second anniversary of Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
The commemorative events will begin on May 25 with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, scheduled for 1:00 PM.
Key events for the anniversary include:
May 26: Executive Council Session themed “Abia Anniversary EXCO”.
May 27: First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, will visit orphanages and lead Children’s Day celebrations across the state.
May 28: Anniversary Lecture to be delivered by former Finance Minister, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu.
May 29: Grand Finale with a state-wide broadcast and a ceremony at Umuahia Township Stadium.
Prince Kanu further disclosed that on May 23, the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, will host the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The First Lady is expected to launch a special initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable groups in Abia State.
The Commissioner also revealed that the State Executive Council has constituted a committee to oversee the commissioning of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) constructed across the 17 Local Government Areas as part of the administration’s “Project Ekwueme” initiative. Each LGA will host one commissioning event, beginning in early June and spanning a 17-day period.
Providing further insight, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enouch Ogbonnaya Uche, noted that Project Ekwueme, launched on January 28, 2025, is nearing completion. He emphasized the tangible progress of the PHCs across the state and reiterated the transformational nature of the upcoming Abia Medical City.
“The Abia Medical City is a landmark initiative, not only for the people of Abia but for the entire country,” Professor Uche stated. “Its scale and ambition are unprecedented in Nigeria. That is why President Tinubu has chosen to personally flag off the project. Construction of the access roads to the site is already underway, following the directive of Governor Otti.”
The briefing was also attended by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.