Abia State Governor Alex Otti has approved the payment of school fees for Abia students studying at SRI SAI, an Indian university, so that they can continue their education.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, revealed this Wednesday night while briefing reporters on the conclusion of this week’s Executive Council meeting, which was chaired by the governor.
The Commissioner further stated that the State Executive Council took note of the plight of Abia students who had been abandoned by the previous administration in the state.
“Following His interest and the high premium he places on the education sector, quite a lot is happening in that sector. Recently there has been this case of some Abia students who have been abandoned in an Indian University by the previous administration.
“His Excellency graciously approved that their fees be paid to enable them continue their education in the university in India.
“In the same vein, His Excellency approved payment of bursary to Abia students in different law schools in the country. Recall that once, we mentioned this to you that His Excellency has approved that those payments be made. It has actually been made now.
“Equally, through the untiring efforts of His Excellency, accreditation has been secured for 19 programmes for Abia State University, Uturu. This speaks to all the efforts he has been making to ensure that our educational sector turns out to be one of the best in the country.”
The governor also approved the appointment of Mr Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, as his new Chief Press Secretary. Mr Njoku Ukoha Njoku replaces the former CPS, Mr Kazie Ukoh.
Prince Kanu explained that the replacement of Mr Kazie Ukoh was part of Governor Otti’s plan to rejig the media team of his administration, adding that Mr Ukoha is renowned for his experience in advocacy and media management and would bring his expertise and passion for writing to bear.
Continuing, Prince Okey Kanu said that the state governor approved the establishment of a Football Academy by an Abia-born UK-based footballer, Mr Frank Onyeka. Mr Frank Onyeka who plays for Brentford football club in the English Premiership also plays for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
He said that the governor has directed the Ministry of Lands and Housing to process the certificate of occupancy for the project within 48 hours, disclosing that the project would be cited somewhere between Umuahia and Aba for accessibility.
“He (Onyeka) visited His Excellency with his dear wife and the Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed who was on hand to support Mr Onyeka on the project.
“Dr. Ahmed has promised that he would lend every support to Mr Onyeka to ensure the project succeeds.
“This is a way to encourage Mr. Onyeka, who is a proud son of Abia and to let others know that if they have such viable projects that the state government will always be willing and ready to support them.”