Telecommunications network coverage in Abia State has risen to 77 per cent following the expansion of services to previously underserved communities through a partnership between the state government and MTN Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday, August 31, 2026, while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said the expansion had improved access to voice and data services in several communities across the state.
He, however, expressed concern over the vandalisation of telecommunications sites and fibre infrastructure, particularly in parts of Aba, saying the development had affected efforts to achieve the targeted 100 per cent network coverage.
According to him, MTN is already working to restore the affected infrastructure and return coverage to the level achieved before the vandalism.
The Commissioner appealed to residents and communities to protect telecommunications infrastructure, stressing that the facilities were installed for the benefit and convenience of Abia residents.
He expressed optimism that the affected sites would be restored in the coming weeks, paving the way for full network coverage across the state.
Kanu said locations that have benefited from the newly deployed infrastructure include parts of Isiala Ngwa South, Isiala Ngwa North, Umuahia South, Ohafia, Aba and Alayi.
The Commissioner said the improved connectivity is expected to boost business activities and contribute to the state’s economic development.
OVER 4,000 NEW TEACHERS SET FOR FIVE-DAY ORIENTATION
The Abia State Government will also commence a mandatory five-day orientation programme for more than 4,000 newly recruited teachers from September 7 to 12.
The programme will be held at Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, and Federal Government Girls’ College, Umuahia.
Kanu said the orientation would acquaint the new teachers with public and civil service responsibilities, the administration’s education agenda and modern teaching approaches.
Participants will also receive training in digital literacy, classroom technology, STEM methodologies, learner-centred teaching and data-driven educational tools.
43 LOCATIONS RECEIVE ROAD MAINTENANCE
On infrastructure, the Commissioner disclosed that direct-labour road maintenance had been carried out at 43 locations across the state.
He said two projects had been completed, including the rainy-season maintenance of the 5.2-kilometre Umuehim-Okpuala Ngwa Road, linking Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South, and the 250-metre access road to Chidi Ubani Memorial Hospital at Obingwa Local Government Headquarters.
Kanu said 26 road projects remained under contract, although construction activities had slowed at several sites due to the rainy season.
ABIA TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF XENOPHOBIC VIOLENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA
The Commissioner further disclosed that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection is coordinating efforts to protect, voluntarily repatriate and reintegrate Abians affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa.
He said the ministry was processing another batch of returnees while working with leaders of the Abia community in South Africa to identify and verify other stranded residents in need of assistance.
2026 AUGUST MEETING ADOPTS GRASSROOTS EMPOWERMENT MODEL
Kanu also described the recently concluded 2026 Abia Women’s August Meeting as a new model for grassroots development and women’s empowerment across the state’s 17 local government areas.
He said the programme incorporated economic empowerment, skills development, social protection and support for vulnerable women, including widows.
EIGHT SGBV CASES RECORDED
Meanwhile, the Commissioner disclosed that Sexual Assault Referral Centres in the state recorded eight cases of sexual and gender-based violence during the period under review.
He said the survivors, aged between four and 25, received medical, psychosocial and legal support, while the relevant authorities were working to ensure that alleged perpetrators face justice.
The state government says the various interventions are part of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, strengthen human capital development and enhance the welfare of residents across Abia State.
