The Abia State Government has unveiled a pilot electronic advertising billboard beside the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Gate in Umuahia, as part of efforts to modernise outdoor advertising, improve public information delivery and enhance the appearance of urban centres across the state.
The facility was unveiled on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, through the Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA), in collaboration with a private sector partner.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described the project as another milestone in Governor Alex Otti’s administration’s commitment to technological innovation, digital transformation and creating a business-friendly environment in Abia State.
Kanu explained that the electronic billboard represents more than an advertising platform, noting that it would also serve as a channel for government announcements, public enlightenment campaigns, emergency information and other important messages to residents and visitors.
He said the initiative would provide businesses, corporate organisations and government institutions with modern opportunities to promote their products, services and activities through digital advertising.
The commissioner disclosed that the pilot installation was developed in partnership with the private sector and would serve as a model for similar facilities planned for strategic locations across the state.
He further noted that the introduction of electronic billboards would help reduce the indiscriminate concentration of conventional advertising structures, encourage a more organised urban environment and provide multiple advertising opportunities through a single digital platform.
Kanu urged advertising practitioners, business owners and corporate organisations to take advantage of the facility while calling on residents to protect the infrastructure as a valuable public asset.
Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ABSSAA, Elder Godwin Adindu, commended Governor Otti for supporting the initiative, describing the installation as a pilot project that would be extended to other strategic locations across Abia in the coming months.
Adindu explained that the project, which began during the tenure of the agency’s former chairman, Chief (Mrs.) Dibunma Onwubuiko, was designed to facilitate the transition from conventional outdoor advertising to modern digital platforms.
He said the innovation would create additional opportunities for businesses and public institutions to reach their target audiences while improving the aesthetic outlook of the state’s urban centres.
The ABSSAA chairman described the development as an important step towards adopting contemporary advertising technologies already in use in major cities around the world.
Also speaking, the project engineer, Engineer Temple Ogbonna Omeonu, disclosed that the installation was an LED (Light Emitting Diode) digital advertising billboard powered by a solar energy system.
He explained that the solar installation features a 60 kilowatt hour battery storage system designed to provide sufficient power for the billboard’s operations.
Omeonu expressed appreciation to Governor Otti and the ABSSAA leadership for their support in bringing the project to completion.
The unveiling marks the beginning of the state government’s broader efforts to introduce technology driven outdoor advertising solutions aimed at improving business visibility, strengthening public communication and promoting a more organised urban environment across Abia State.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
