The Abia State Government has expressed deep concerns over the increasing cases of vandalism of power infrastructure in the state. In a recent address, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, urged traditional rulers, presidents-general of town unions, and security agencies to develop effective strategies to curb the menace. He emphasized that perpetrators must stop the heinous act forthwith or face the full weight of the law.
The energy infrastructure vandalism across the state has continued to disrupt power supply and impose additional financial burdens on the government through the replacement of damaged or stolen equipment. Prince Okey Kanu noted that the state administration is intensifying efforts to restore electricity to several communities across the state, including Abam in Arochukwu LGA and Ohafia LGA. The power restoration project in Abam has entered its second phase, covering four communities.
According to Prince Okey Kanu, work in Ohafia has reached an advanced stage of completion, and the power restoration project to Nsulu and parts of Ukwa East LGA will commence within the next two weeks. These interventions are long-awaited projects that will improve electricity supply in the affected communities. The commissioner also announced that the deployment of renewable energy to functionalized Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) is ongoing.
The state government has established a policy that every functionalized PHC must be accompanied by a renewable energy solution. Additionally, work has commenced on a new 15MVA injection substation at Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, in collaboration with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company. This project, when completed, will significantly improve electricity supply in Umuahia and its environs.
On the water sector, the commissioner stated that rehabilitation work on the five water schemes across the state is ongoing. Pipeline reticulation at various stages of completion across the three senatorial zones will soon be completed. Eight additional water schemes have been nominated for rehabilitation in collaboration with the Impact Fund of Denmark through its Infrastructure Finance Facility.
The Abia State Government has secured approval for grant-financed technical assistance for feasibility studies aimed at developing inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable water infrastructure across the state. On road infrastructure, 46 direct-labour projects are ongoing at various locations across the state. Two new projects have been added to the maintenance programme of the Ministry of Works.
The 2026 Igbo Day celebration was marked with an anniversary lecture attended by prominent Igbo intellectuals from across the Southeast, other parts of Nigeria, and Abians in the Diaspora. The event featured a parade by contingents from participating states, cultural displays, dances, masquerades, and other activities showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people. The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, disclosed that four communities are benefiting from the second phase of the electricity restoration project in Abam.
Key points
- Abia State government warns vandals of power infrastructure, vows to take full action
- State government intensifies efforts to restore electricity to several communities
- Abia State celebrates 2026 Igbo Day with cultural displays and anniversary lecture
