Abia State has been chosen as the preferred location for a proposed stroke and neurovascular centre following the state’s participation in the 2026 Sweden-Africa Neurosurgery Symposium held in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti at Government House, Umuahia.
Prince Kanu attributed the selection to the state’s notable strides in healthcare delivery and the availability of qualified medical specialists to support the proposed specialised medical facility.
“In recognition of the state’s achievements in healthcare delivery and the availability of qualified specialists, Abia State was selected as the most suitable location to host the proposed stroke and neurovascular centre.
“This is another milestone for the present administration. The Ministry of Health was also recently recognised as a national self-care champion.
“This recognition further demonstrates the progress being made in transforming the state’s healthcare system, particularly in building the capacity required to promote and implement healthy practices, habits and lifestyles among residents,” Kanu stated.
He explained that the state’s healthcare reforms and achievements were showcased at the international symposium, where participants examined the growing burden of stroke across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, and the urgent need for a modern stroke and neurovascular centre to provide comprehensive treatment and management services in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
According to him, the Ministry of Health attended the international gathering with the approval of the state government to explore areas of partnership and strengthen the delivery of specialised healthcare services in Abia.
The Information Commissioner further disclosed that the state government, through the Ministry of Health, had constituted a multi-sectoral frontline preparedness and response technical working group to improve the state’s readiness and response to public health emergencies.
“Through various investments and interventions, the technical working group has developed an Ebola preparedness and response plan for the state.
“The government has also expanded the use of modern medical technology, particularly in specialised healthcare delivery,” Kanu stated.
He added that the government had completed the Infectious Disease Hospital in Aba, as well as an infectious disease facility and specialist hospital in Umuahia, to enhance the state’s preparedness in tackling Ebola and other infectious diseases.
On breast cancer awareness, Prince Kanu said the Office of the Wife of the Governor recently organised an awareness event in partnership with relevant organisations and the Ministries of Health and Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection.
He explained that the programme was designed to educate women on breast cancer, encourage preventive healthcare practices and promote routine screening for early detection and timely intervention.
The Commissioner, however, announced that no cases of diseases of public health importance, including Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, diphtheria, cholera and avian influenza, were reported in the state between October 18 and November 1, 2026.
Turning to agriculture, Prince Kanu reported progress in the agricultural intervention programme currently being implemented across the state’s 17 local government areas.
He explained that the initiative, which is being executed in partnership with the local government areas, seeks to establish sustainable agricultural enterprises, attract investments, boost food production and expand employment opportunities.
He noted that the broader objective was to strengthen agricultural value chains, enhance food security and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for residents across the state.
On housing development, the Commissioner disclosed that the government’s housing scheme at the Pocket Layout had recorded significant interest, with the number of applications far exceeding the available residential units.
He said the state government was committed to ensuring fairness, transparency and equity in the allocation of the houses, adding that a lottery system could be introduced to guarantee a credible and transparent selection process.
According to him, the overwhelming response reflects the confidence residents have in the government’s housing initiatives and their readiness to invest in residential properties across the state.
Prince Kanu also revealed that a comprehensive needs assessment was being conducted across existing housing estates and layouts to identify infrastructure deficiencies and establish priority areas for government intervention.
He said particular attention was being given to addressing infrastructure gaps, including internal roads, utilities, security facilities and other essential amenities required to provide residents with a comfortable living environment.
“All these efforts are directed towards ensuring that the housing needs of Abians are adequately addressed in the coming months and years,”Kanu stated.
Responding to questions on the Pocket Layout housing scheme, the Commissioner for Housing, Architect Chiemela Uzoije, confirmed that construction activities were already underway, noting that applications had significantly exceeded the available housing units.
“We have a total of 173 units of residences coming up there, but at the last count up to 500 and thirty something have applied.
“It is not going to be what it used to be in the past; it is going to be in a very free and transparent manner,” Architect Uzoije stated.
On concerns surrounding abandoned federal housing estates, the Special Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, called on the media to sustain their responsibility of holding public office holders accountable, particularly regarding federal housing projects that had been officially flagged off.
He maintained that the Abia State Government had fulfilled its fundamental responsibilities towards the projects, including making land available and meeting other necessary requirements.
“The State Government has done the most fundamental [thing], which is ensuring that the land is provided, doing all that is required to be done,” Mr. Ekeoma stated.
