Gov. Ikpeazu's efforts towards the development of Abia State: A mark of Good leadership
Posted by Blessing Ogonna | 4 years ago | 1,522 times
By Blessing Ogonna Gabriel
Since assumption of office in 2015, Abia state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has demonstrated zeal, zest and commitment towards building strong and enviable economy independent of the current source of revenue, oil. This goal he has pursued through the five pillars of development which covers infrastructure, human and social development.
In furtherance to the realization of the goal of developing and repositioning the state’s economy and infrastructural development, the Governor while fielding questions from newsmen during a zoom interactive forum last weekend stated, “my administration has been consistent in tackling infrastructural challenges facing the state. It is now easier for people to move from Ikot ekpene road to Ariaria within 20 minutes.”
Indeed, the administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu introduced the rigid pavement technology to ensure that roads built by government last long. This technology has been effectively applied to 50% of the over 120 road projects embarked on by the government, and the roads will outlive this administration and form a good stepping stone for the next one.
Still on roads, the Governor disclosed Government’s plan to engage Arab contractors for the dualization of Isi-court-Amakama-Ururuka road and the Ehimiri-Micheal Okpara University axis of the Umuahia-Ikot-ekpene road. As the Governor puts it, “Government is waiting for the rains to subside before risers can be fixed to the Osisioma flyover… I want to be remembered for the quality of roads I built not the number.”
Additionally, the Ikpeazu led administration has recorded milestone achievements in the area of skill acquisition. For instance, Aba currently makes over a million pairs of shoes which are sold across Nigeria and different parts of Africa. The state government continues to build capacity for Aba Shoe makers.
Today, the quality of shoes made in Aba can comfortably compete with top shoe brands globally. This feat ofcourse, came as a result of proactive measures taken by the Governor when he sponsored some selected youths to China to acquire skills in modern shoe making.
As Governor Ikpeazu made public in that briefing, government is focusing on marketing the shoes to the international community. Recall how the Made-in-Aba trade fair in Abuja attracted a number of the diplomatic community. Government has also gone to Egypt, South Africa and other countries to market the Aba products. Continuing, the Governor disclosed that, "government is exploring the option of establishing a gas plant within the Ariaria catchment area to boost business activities. Shoes, garment, Iron works are major areas of emphasis.
On health, the State government plans to work with communities in a bid to ensuring efficiency and functionality of primary health centres; create a standard health facility that can be used as a referral center for primary health centres. According to him, plans are on to bring in five containers of modern medical equipment from the United States of America to help tackle healthcare challenges in the state.
Indeed, Abia will become a major hub for adding value to Agriculture with emphasis on Cassava, Cocoa, Cashew, Rice and palm Oil production as there are plans also to set-up cottage industries in the 17 Local Government Areas to enhance the economy of the rural areas.
All said, there are clear indications that Governor is vigorously pursuing his goal of leaving Abia better than he met it.
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