A high-powered Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team arrived in Abia State on Tuesday to inspect federal and state government projects across the state.
Briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday and presided over by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the visit formed part of the Renewed Hope National Media Tour of projects being executed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and various state governments.
“This is part of the Renewed Hope National Media Tour of projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governments,” Kanu said.
“The tour is designed to cover the six geopolitical zones of the country. The visit by the team is quite timely, given the very cordial relationship between the state government and the Federal Government.
“This is a relationship that has led to partnerships between the state and Federal Government, as reflected in projects such as the airport project and the recently flagged-off Renewed Hope Housing Estate project.”
According to the commissioner, members of the team will tour various parts of the state to inspect road projects and other development initiatives being undertaken by the government across the 17 local government areas.
He added that the visit would culminate in a civic reception for the presidential media team to be hosted by Governor Otti.
Kanu further disclosed that full operations had commenced at the ultra-modern bus terminal in Umuahia, with operators in the informal transport sector gradually moving into the facility.
“The first phase of operations involves the Abia Green Shuttle buses. The second phase involves the informal transport operators, while the third phase will involve the formal transport operators,” he said.
He noted that stakeholders had expressed satisfaction with the services and operations at the terminal, although some operators were initially reluctant to embrace the transition.
“There appears to be some pushback among some operators, and this is a result of the fact that people are not always willing to embrace change easily,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the relocation process involved about 39 transport operators and disclosed that enforcement would commence on Tuesday to ensure full compliance.
“Enforcement will also commence today (Tuesday) to bring all the operators into the terminal,” he added.
Speaking on infrastructure development, Kanu said the state government remained committed to improving the road network across Abia.
“Despite these laudable achievements, the transformative work in road infrastructure continues,” he stated.
The commissioner also announced that the Abia State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor, would commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child on June 16, 2026.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, in partnership with the Governor’s wife’s office, joined the global community in marking the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
According to him, activities lined up for the event include public sensitisation campaigns on the rights of older persons, available protection services and reporting mechanisms for abuse cases.
“As part of activities marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2026, the ministry will undertake public sensitisation and awareness campaigns on elders’ rights, protection services and available reporting mechanisms. It will also engage senior citizens, community stakeholders and development partners on the Senior Citizens Policy Framework,” he said.
He added that the ministry would strengthen collaboration with healthcare facilities, community leaders and social protection actors to improve prevention, reporting, response and referral mechanisms for older persons.
The commissioner said the initiative was aimed at supporting older persons and promoting an inclusive society where senior citizens can live with dignity, security and hope.
