Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission-ASOPADEC

PRESS RELEASE 21/04/24
ASOPADEC EMBARKS ON RECONSTRUCTION OF OBEHIE ASA HIGH SCHOOL ROAD.
The General Manager of Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission ( ASOPADEC) Venerable Dr.Joshua Onyeike has disclosed that the Commission has released fund for the reconstruction of Obehie/Asa high school road in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
Venerable Onyeike who dropped this cheering news during a courtesy visit to him in the office by Asa Development Union added that plans are on the way to replace the vandalized electric transformer and cables in the area pointing out the Commission under his watch will make use available resources within her reach to ensure development of the areas and beyond.
The ASOPADEC General Manager,Venerable Onyike commended the Asa people for their support and loyalty to him and the State Governor hinting that the Commission has been able to make great impacts because of the love and care of the Governor to Asa people demonstrated through regular release of funds due to the Commission and urged them to sustain their support while promising of more developmental projects in the areas.
In his speech earlier, the Acting President General of Asa Development Union, Mr Godson Ihenko said they came to identify with Venerable Onyike for his strides in development and lauded the Governor for appointing him to serve in the Commission.
Mr. Ihenko pointed out some of the achievements of the General Manager to include: reconstruction of Umuokomiri Obehie road, on-going construction of Asa Civic Centre, registration of Asa students in 2024 WAEC and JAMB, construction of water bore holes at various locations of the area and expressed satisfaction with the wave of developmental projects going on in the State courtesy of the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti.
Also speaking, the Secretary General of the Union, Sir Boniface Nwaigwe said the on-going construction work at the Asa Civic hall, the meeting point of Asa people that was abandoned many years ago by NDDC, is a welcome development and thanked the General manager of ASOPDEC for his support and encouragement to the Union while requesting him to sustain it.
In a vote of thanks, a woman leader, Mrs Ngozi Ogidi commended the General Manager for giving them audience out of his tight schedule and assured of the sustained support of the people.
Highlight of the visit was special prayer for the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti and the General Manager of ASOPADEC conducted by Elder CY Chigbu. The ceremony was attended by management staff of the Commission.
Iyke Onuegbu and Chinwe Anunobi
Information Officers.

PRESS RELEASE 19/04/2024.
ASA DEV. UNION LAUDS GOV OTTI & ASOPADEC FOR DEVELOPMENTAL STRIDES.
The Asa Development Union has lauded the development strides of the State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and the General Manager of Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) for their strides in the development of the State and Asa land in particular.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the General Manager of ASOPADEC Venerable Joshua Onyeike at his office in Umuahia, the Acting President General of Asa Development Union, Barr. Godson Ihenko said the people of Asa land are happy with the wave of developmental projects going on in all the sectors of the State and Asa Land in particular such as reconstruction of Umuokomiri Obehie road, on- going construction work at Asa Civic Hall, rehabilitation of water boreholes, establishment of Abia Innovation Industrial Park among others and thanked the State Governor for the appointment of sons of Asa land like Venerable Onyeike who are making great impacts in the achievement of the New Abia.
Also speaking, the Secretary General of the Union, Sir Boniface Uchenna Nwaigwe said the commencement of construction work at Asa Civic hall, the meeting point of Asa people, which was abandoned many years ago by NDDC, is a well development and thanked the ASOPADEC General Manager for his support to the Union since he assumed office.
Responding the General Manager of ASOPADEC, Venerable Joshua Onyeike thanked them for their solidarity visit and for their support to the State Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti and explained that the achievements made by the Commission was powered by the State Governor who has in all ramifications shown that he has the interest of Asa people at heart and disclosed that he has mobilized for commencement of reconstruction work at Obehie to Asa high School as well as intend to replace vandalized electricity transformer and cables in their area requesting them to ensure protection of Government properties.
Venerable Onyeike assured that the Commission will not relent in carrying out developmental projects in line with her mandate for the oil producing communities and across the State while promising to carry them along in his activities.
In a vote of thanks, the woman leader of the Union, Mrs Blessing Ogidi thanked the General Manager for his good works in the Commission and promised him the sustained support of the Asa People.
Highlight of the meeting was special prayer for the Governor and the General Manager conducted by Elder CY Chigbu.
Iyke Onuegbu and Chinwe Anunobi
Information Officers, ASOPADEC

PRESS RELEASE 7th March,2024
ASOPADEC GM, VEN. ONYEIKE APPEALS TO STAFF OF HIS COMMISSION, SAYS EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO ATTEND TO THEIR CHALLENGES.
The General Manager of Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) Venerabl Dr Joshus Onyeike has appealed to the staff of his Commission to be patient with the Commission in the challenges the face over the arrears of their salary assuring that he is working tirelessly to ensure that they overcome their challenges.
Addressing the staff at the lobby hall of his office after a brief ceremony marking his 58 birthday, Venerable Onyeike said that as someone who serves in the vineyard of God, he not only believes strongly in the biblical injunction of giving a worker his reward as when due but operates in that prism and pointed out that the State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti,OFR has shown great concern over their plight while promising that the efforts he has made with the management of the Commission will yield results that will bring relief and succor to them.
The General Manager however urged the staff to be committed to their duties and shun acts capable of forming a clog in the wheel of progress and thanked them for their good wishes to him on his birthday and stated that he owes gratitude to God for making him to be alive to add another year to him and for the numerous good things God has done for him generally in life.
Earlier in the office of the General Manager, Director of Works, Engr. Emeka Gberamakor and Director of Finance Mrs Urego Ukaegbu of the Commission in their good will messages described Venerable Onyeike as a good man that God has blessed the Commission with and wished him happy celebrations many years of good health and blessings from above.
Also speaking the Labor Party Chairman of Ukwa West L.G.A Elder Iheyirichi D**e and Chieftain of the party in Ukwa West LGA, Hon Anselem Eletue applauded the exploits of Venerable Onyeike as their leader in Ukwa West pointing out that his pragmatic style of leadership has brought transformation to the people of Asa Land while pledging their support and loyalty to the General Manager of ASOPDEC as well as wished him well in all his endeavors in the new age.
In response to the General Manager’s appeal to the Staff, a staff of the Commission, Mr. Robert Daniel thanked him for his efforts, urging him to ensure improved welfare of staff and wished him happy birthday celebrations.
Highlight of the ceremony was special prayer for the General Manager, cutting of cake by the celebrant and expression of good will messages by relatives, friends, and associates of the General Manager.
Iyke Onuegbu and Chinwe Anunobi
Information officers, ASOPADEC.

A TOAST FOR A PASSIONATE MAN OF GOD AND DYNAMIC LEADER , VENERABLE JOSHUA OGADINMA ONYEIKE, GENERAL MANAGER, ASOPADEC AT 58.

Many decades ago,precisely on the 6th day of March,1966 a great man was born into the Onyeike family of Umunteke Asa in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State . He is Venerable( Dr) Joshua Ogadinma Onyeike who at present occupies the position of General Manager, Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission,( ASOPADEC).

Like the biblical Joshua, Venerable Onyeike has been a passionate servant of God who has over time been rendering devoted services to God and mankind. He has equally shown unwavering zeal in the provision of peace and economic well-being for the people within and outside his vicinity.
From a humble beginning, Venerable Onyike has made adventures in the world of academics which contributed in no small measures to the successes recorded in his vocation. Starting from his days as a pupil and student at Community Primary School and Ascension Seminary School, all in Umunteke Asa, Ukwa West LGA, he never hid his naturally endowed intelligence and instinct to things of God. This no doubt,took him to Trinity College Umuahia for a Diploma Course in Theology and Pastoral Psychology. Subsequently he became an ordained priest in the vineyard of God. His thirst for academic knowledge spurred him to further his studies in religious studies and he earned a degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies. He has two post graduate degrees in Epistemology, Philosophy and Public Administration. He also did post graduate degree programme in Conflict and Gender Studies from Institute of Peace,Conflict Resolution and Gender Studies, University of Port Harcourt and crowned a fulfilment in his academic pursuit with a Ph.D in Political and Administrative Studies in the same University.
Venerable Onyeike not resting on his oars, recieved training in various spheres of human endeavor such as : training on Enterprise, Promotion and Increase in Productivity In a Depressed Economy, Global Management in Institute of Corporate Administration and Chattered Institute of Mediation and Conflict Resolution. It is interesting to know that he is a fellow of these Institutes.
A man of many parts, Venerable Onyeike did not restrict himself to the task of propergating the gospel only but has shown pragmatism and resourcefulness in establishments and management of businesses that have grown to enviable heights. He is an employer of labour and enabler in the development of our society. To this extent, he held sway as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the following companies to wit: Sharon Jessy Frozen limited, Austine UD Agro Concept Limited and Gadel Valors Intergrated Services Limited prior to his appointment as the the General Manager of ASOPADEC by the visionary Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti,OFR.

As the General Manager of ASOPADEC he has shown passion, care and sterling ingenuity in handling the administrative issues of the Commission and bringing succor to the hitherto untold hardship experienced by the people of the oil producing communities of Ukwa Land. Within few months of his stay in the office, Venerable Onyike has shown indeed that when the righteous is on the throne the people rejoice. He has engaged in infrastructural development, provided social amenities and human empowerment which are basically the fulcrum of his mandate in the Commission. His interventionist activities are complementing the strides of the State government in putting smiles on the faces of the oil producing communities.
Some of the visible transformation achievements of Venerable Onyeike include: Reconstruction of 1.2km Umuokomiri Obehie road in Ukwa West LGA, drilling of water boreholes at various locations in the State as follows, Owaza Civic Hall, Umuiku Isi Asa, Ugwatti Ascension Seminary School Umunteke and Abaji community all in Ukwa West LGA. Correctional centre and Avonkwu Amaoforo Ibeku,Umuahia North LGA, Mkporobe in Ukwa East LGA.

In infrastructure, the Commission has embarked on completion of long abandoned gigantic Ultra Modern Civic Centre at Obehie, Ukwa West LGA. A project so dear to Asa people and will add to the economic and political well-being of the people when completed. The rehabilitation of Ahia Orie Ezendioma Umuajuoha open market stalls in Ukwa West LGA is on going.
Venerable Onyeike has also sustained the undergraduate scholarship scheme of the Commission which has started yielding positive results with some beneficiaries graduating into the labour markets. Indigent students, mainly from Asa Land and other areas have also benefited in the 2024 WAEC and JAMB registration of the Commission. Considering the importance of education as the bedrock of development, this scheme is a huge investment with so much advantage to the oil producing areas. Plans are on top gear to train some youths in various skills especially in IT technology. The same applies to the health sector where the Commission is planning to key into the on going health care delivery programme of the State government.
With the wave of intervention activities of the Commission under the able leadership of Venerable Joshua Ogadinma Onyeike the story of the Commission can only be better.
It is therefore on this premise that this toast is proposed on behalf the family, relatives, business and political associates of this passionate man of God, a pragmatic leader of Labour Party in Ukwa West, a man of impact and generosity, Venerable Joshua Ogadinma Onyeike.
Happy birthday sir,happy birthday, our dynamic leader .Happy celebrations and many returns. To God be the glory.

By Iyke Onuegbu and Chinwe Anunobi,Information Officers, ASOPADEC.

Happy birthday to the General Manager of ASOPADEC and Leader of Ukwa West LGA Labour Party, Venerable Joshua Ogadinma Onyeike.

ASOPADEC REGISTERS WAEC AND JAMB EXAMS FOR INDIGENT STUDENTS OF UKWA WEST LGA.

As part of her interventionist activities in human capacity development, Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, ASOPADEC has registered one hundred and thirty five (135) Indigent students of Ukwa West LGA in 2023/ 24 West African Examination Council(WAEC) exams and One hundred and eleven (111)students in the on-going 2024 Joint Admission And Matriculation Board(JAMB) respectively.

In a remark, during the registration exercise at JAMB office in Umuahia, the General Manager of ASOPADEC, Venerable Joshua Onyeike urged the benefitting students to be serious with their studies and ensure that they pass their exams for further studies in the university.

The General Manager who was represented by the Head of Education Unit in the Commission, Mrs Ihuoma Onuegbu explained that out of 135 students registered for WAEC, one hundred students were from Ukwa West LGA while thirty five students came from the other Local Government Areas of the state .
According to the representative of the General Manager, one hundred students from Ukwa West LGA were also registered for JAMB while the rest were from the other local government areas of the State as well.
The ASOPADEC Boss disclosed that the Commission embarked on the exercise, to complement the policy drive of the State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti OFR in empowering and encouraging the youths in education.
In their response the benefitting students of the scheme, Miss Anaene Favor and Godson Onyedikachi all from Uwka West LGA expressed gratitude to the Governor for his magnanimity to them and promised to work harder in their academics pursuit.

Iyke Onuegbu and Chijioke Igbolekwu
Information Officers, ASOPADEC.

PRESS RELEASE, 13/01/24

SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT: GM, ASOPADEC VEN. ONYEIKE CONGRATULATES, DR. OTTI.
SAYS, VICTORY WELL DESERVED.

The General Manager of Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission ( ASOPADEC) Venerable Joshua Onyeike has joined other well-meaning Abians to congratulate the State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti,OFR on his victory at the supreme Court on Friday last week over the appeals from the opposition parties of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressive Congress (APC) which affirmed him as the duly elected governor to serve Abia people.

Baring his mind during a victory match by the teeming people of Ukwa West LGA held at Obehie, Venerable Onyeike described the victory of Dr. Alex Otti as well deserved, stressing that it was the affirmation of the massive votes of the people to the Governor and the divine mandate of God for the Governor to salvage Abia State from its deteriorating state.
The General Manager said that the mandate of Governor Alex Otti in Abia State is for change, to rebuild the State to a viable and prosperous State that Abians can be proud of and called on Abians from all walks of life ,irrespective of their political and social leaning to join hands with the Governor in making the state compete favorably with other States in the country.
Venerable Onyeike who is also the leader of Labour Party in Ukwa West LGA,said the victory of Dr. Otti was received with enormous joy that knows no bounds in Asa Land attributing it to the fact that the Governor has since assumption of office demonstrated his love and care for Asa people through his regular visits to the area and bringing to bear laudable developmental projects that will transform the area from her dilapidated state of infrastructures to an economic and political emancipation citing the establishment of Abia Innovation Industrial Pack and construction of roads among many other projects as such transformational programmes geared towards bringing succour to Asa people.
Venerable Onyeike pointed out that the coming on board of Dr.Alex Otti as the State Governor, who he described as pragmatic and visionary in leadership, is a good omen for Ukwa people as the people have never had it better in more than two decades of democracy in the State than in the present.

The ASOPADEC Boss assured of the sustained support and loyalty of the Asa people to the government of Dr Alex Otti in his rebuilding agenda adding that the Commission will under his watch, work assiduously to complement the Governor’s visionary efforts in bringing uncommon developments to the State.
Venerable Onyeike siezed the opportunity to urge the staff of ASOPADEC to shun acts capable of forming a clog in the wheel of progress such as indiscipline and backbiting and to see the victory of the State Governor as a reassurance of better days for the welfare of the staff as the Commission has a lot of good packages for them in line with the welfare agenda of the State governor.

Iyke Onuegbu and Chinwe Anunobi, Information Officers, ASOPADEC.

NEWS RELEASE
ENGR CHIBUIKEM, LATE SON OF ASOPADEC GM,BURIED AMIDST TEARS AND SORROW.
It was a moment of tears and sorrow on Friday 29th December, 2023 as the family of Venerable Joshua Onyeike, the General Manager of Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) alongside relatives, religious, business and political associates gathered at the Rainbow Court home of the family in Umunteke to bid farewell to thier late son,Engr. Chibuikem Augustine Onyeike.

In a Church service at Christ Anglican Church Umunteke presided over by Bishops of Isialangwa and Ukwa Diocese in Abia State and Bishop of Yola and Jos Provinces of Adamawa and Plateau states respectively the moderating Bishop ,Rt Rev. Temple Nwaogu said that the righteous dies to have eternal life citing the book of Isaiah57 vs 1&2 and urged the family to take solace that thier son died after worshipping God.

In a biography from the family, the deceased was described as a dedicated, lovable and jovial christain whose generosity, warmth and endearing qualities drew him to people.
The Management and staff of ASOPADEC, in a condolence message described the death of Chibuikem as shocking and devastating and prayed God to give the family the grace to bear the irreparable loss.
In appreciation message to the teeming crowd that came to be with them in thier mourning period, the father of the deceased who is also the General Manager of ASOPADEC, Ven. Joshua Onyeike said no amount of temptation will deter the family from serving God.
Among the dignitaries that witnessed the occasion were: the Abia State Governor, represented by the deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Augustine Meregini, the wife the State Governor, Mrs Chidinma Otti, the Deputy Governor represented by the Mayor of Ukwa East,Dr. Ngozi Nwagbara the wife of the Deputy Governor, House of Assembly member representing Ukwa West LGA, Hon. Goddy Adiele, Commissioners of Environment and Information, Chief of Staff to the Excutive Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, DG, Abia State Orientation Agency, Pastor D**e Nwankwo, the Mayor of Ukwa West LGA, Hon. Newman Azu, Labour Party members and ASOPADEC staff.
The late Engr. Chibuikem Augustine Onyeike, 33 was assassinated by men of the under world after a mid- week servic at Dunamis Church Port Harcourt. He is survived by wife Mrs Jennifer Nkechinyere, 3 children, parents, two sisters and a brother.

Iyke Onuegbu
Head media/ PRO
ASOPADEC.

YOU ARE THE JOSHUA OF OUR TIME COUNCIL OF TRADITIONAL RURAL UKWA WEST TELLS VEN. DR JOSHUA OGADINMA ONYEIKE.. GENERAL MANAGER ASOPADEC.

The traditional rurals council of Ukwa West local government Area of Abia State on Saturday 3rd November 2023 visited the General Manager of Asopadec Ven. Dr. Joshua Onyeike at his Residence at Rainbow court Umunteke Asaa in Ukwa West local government Area of Abia State.

In their opening speeches, the chairman council of Traditional rurals Ukwa West HRM Eze chinyere D**e Eletuo Who came with the 17 traditional rurals thanked the Governor of Abia State Dr Alex Chioma Otti OFR for finding Venerable Onyeike worthy to serve in Asopadec as the General Manager.

In his words, " We came today on courtesy to our Dear Son Ven. Onyeike to inform him that we are solidly behind him as he pilots the activities of Asopadec.

We are most sincerely thanking the Governor of Abia State Dr. Alex Chioma Otti OFR for finding a round peg in a round hole to lead Asopadec this time.

Little wonder that Ukwa was the local government the Governor commissioned the first project in his 100 days in office.

Also speaking, His Royal Majesty Eze Ihemuwa Expensive Nwagbara congratulated the General Manager for his leadership style as most communities including Mkporobe, umuebulungwu, Owaza, ogwe has completed projects courtesy of Asopadec.

Responding, the General Manager of Asopadec Ven onyeike thanked Ndi Eze Asa for coming and assured them that the Governor Dr Alex Chioma Otti OFR will stop at nothing in developing Asa land.

He said that the Abia industrial and innovation park and the ongoing remedial work ongoing along the Aba - Portharcourt express way is geared toward transforming Asa land for Good.

He Appealed to the traditional rurals to support the Governor and his people centric vision as that is the best way to say thank you to the Governor and his administration.

He further appealed to the traditional rurals and youth of Ukwa West that the th

Press Release.....

ASOPADEC GM parleys With Labour Party Members in Ukwa West, Promises to carry them along in the scheme of things.

The General Manager, Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission( ASOPADEC), venerable Joshua Onyeike has reassured the people of Ukwa West LGA that the Commission is aware of their expectations and will continue to work harder to achieve them.

Venerable Onyeike who is also the Leader of Labour Party in Ukwa West LGA stated this while interacting with the Labour Party Local Government Chairman and
Wards chairmen who paid him a solidarity visit, described them as pillars of the party at the grassroot.

The ASOPADEC Boss who reminded them that the party belongs to the people, harped on the need for focus, coordination and understanding as key to achieving success while describing the party in Ukwa west as peaceful and united.

He also reassured the Wards chairmen that their request will be considered ones the means are available, stressing that no one will be left behind as he appreciated them for the gift of a Holy Bible they presented to him.

Speaking earlier, the labour party chairman, Ukwa west LGA, elder Ihenyerechi D**e and Chairman of the ward chairmen, Mr. Uchenna Nwagbara who described the appointment of venerable Onyeike as putting round peg in round hole said they came to reaffirm the unanimous decision they asked him to be the leader of the party in Ukwa west as well as make requests that would enable effectively carryout their grassroot sensitization and mobilization duties.

Also speaking, Mr. Anselem Eletuo and pastor Promise Onwukwe thanked the ASPOPADEC general manager for throwing his doors open to grant them audience as well as making hisself available and accessible to the people while pledging to work closely with in the interest of the people in the oil producing communities, the labour party as well as the success of the Governor Alex Otti led administration.

ASOPADEC embarks on Staff verification exercise,
Says the exercise not to witch-hunt any staff.

The Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission ( ASOPADEC) has embarked on verification exercise of her staff.
Addressing the staff before the kick off of the exercise today at the corporate office of the Commission in Umuahia, the General Manager of the Commission Ven. Joshua Onyeike said the exercise is in line with the policy drive of Governor Alex Otti,OFR aimed at ascertaining the actual number of staff of the Commission, which will enhance the regular payment of salaries and allowances.
Venerable Onyeike who was represented by the Head of Administration of the Commission, Elder Agomoh Kelechi said the exercise is not designed to witchhunt anyone but to ensure that genuine workers are well taken care of, explaining that the exercise will include biometrics data capture of all staff ,thumb printing and orientation exercise aimed at sensitizing the staff on the nitty-gritty of civil rules and procedure.

The GM said he was spurred by what he met on the ground on assumption of duties to initiate the exercise disclosing that a situation where absenteeism and other forms of indiscipline have become the order of the day resulting in wastages of resources that could have been channelled to ex*****on of projects will no longer be tolerated.

The ASOPADEC Boss said the exercise is scheduled to hold for both staff of the Commission in Umuahia and Laison office at Obehie warning that any staff who fails to participate in the exercise will have him or herself to blame.
On his achievements since he assumed office, the GM said he has given staff priority attention by commencement of payment of backlog of arrears owed staff, rehabilitation of electricity transformer and generator set for steady power supply in the office, procurement of office equipment.
Recall that few weeks ago, the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR Commissioned I. 2 km Umuokomiri Obehie Road in Ukwa West LGA. The General Manager of the Commission, Ven. Onyeike in his speech during the Commissioning exercise said he had completed two more projects of water boreholes at Mkporobe, Ukwa East and Assession Seminary Ukwa West and promised that other projects that will make the people of the oil producing to smile are on the way.

Highlights of the event were lecture series and data capturing exercise.

Iyke Onuegbu
Head Media/ PRO.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti says his administration will ensure that the neccessary facilities and infrastructure are put in place to ensure Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABDUTH), Aba.
does not loose accreditation in the forthcoming accreditation excercise.

Governor Otti, who was addressing executive members of the Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) , who were on a working visit to him, assured that government will partner the association in putting things in place to ensure that products of the institution are equipped with requisite training to continue with compete with their contemporaries across the globe.

He said, "We will do everything possible to support you for the place to function properly. We will partner with you to address all challenges facing the institution and tidy them up before the visitation panel comes for accreditation."

Governor Otti said, "You remember a few months before accreditation was withdrawn, I had written to the then Governor to warn of the impending deaccreditation which they responded with a non challant attitude and which later resulted to the eventual withdrawal of accreditation."

While describing payment of salary as an basic responsibility of government, Governor Otti assured that his administration is instituting workers -friendly policies and welfare packages that would discourage the issue of brain drain prevailing among medical Doctors across Nigeria.

Governor Alex Otti while noting that his administration is priotizing healthcare service as evident in the ongoing renovations and equiping of 3 out of the 15 General Hospitals and selected Health Centres among the 192 Health centres in the 17 LGAs, said he is committed to achieving minimum standard in all the healthcare facilities of government. He ,added that government is working with international healthcare agencies to standadize and better healthcare services in the State.

The Governor applauded the NMA for its planned free medical outreach in Isialangwa South LGA,noted that the gesture will complement the ongoing free medical excercise being carried out by his administration across the 3 senatorial zones of the State, which he said would last till December this year..

The State chief executive used the forum to announce that he would soon inaugurate an eye clinic in Umuahia which has been fixed by his administration and v, described human life as very important, statimg that the ongoing turn around in the health sector is to make health facilities in the State to function optimally. He promised to support the forthcoming Physicians' Week to be hosted by Abia State between 22nd to 28th October 2023 and approved their request for them to use the International Conference Centre Umuahia as venue for the opening programme of the Physicians' Week.

Earlier, the State Chairman NMA Dr Isaiah Abali thanked Governor Alex Otti for regularizing salaries of medical Doctors in addition to abolishing the dichotomy in Abia civil servants, "We want to thank our beloved Governor for the salaries of Medical doctors already paid and for abolishing the dichotomous CORE and NON CORE civil Service."

He said that the pace of development in every facets of the State within a short time in office are testaments of a leader on a mission to rescue Abia from total collapse.

The State NMA Chairman, who used the forum to invite the Governor as the Special Guest of honour to the Physicians' Week, a national programme of the NMA, which Abia is hosting for the first time, listed their programme of the event and requested that the Governor approves the International Conference Centre for the opening event of the Physicians' Week.