Abia State has been selected as the preferred location for a proposed stroke and neurovascular centre, following its participation in the 2026 Sweden-Africa Neurosurgery Symposium in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced this while briefing journalists after the weekly State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Alex Otti at Government House, Umuahia.
Kanu said the state was chosen because of its progress in healthcare delivery and the availability of qualified specialists to run the 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,” he said.
He added that the Ministry of Health was also recently named a national self-care champion, describing this as further evidence of efforts to build capacity for promoting healthy habits and lifestyles among residents.
According to the commissioner, Abia’s healthcare reforms were showcased at the symposium, where participants discussed the growing burden of stroke across Africa, particularly Nigeria, and the need for a modern centre to offer comprehensive treatment to Nigeria and the West African sub-region. He said the Ministry of Health attended with the state government’s approval to explore partnerships and strengthen specialised healthcare in Abia.
Emergency preparedness
Kanu disclosed that the Ministry of Health has set up a multi-sectoral technical working group to improve the state’s readiness for public health emergencies. The group, he said, has developed an Ebola preparedness and response plan.
“The government has also expanded the use of modern medical technology, particularly in specialised healthcare delivery,” he said.
He added that the government has completed the Infectious Disease Hospital in Aba, as well as an infectious disease facility and a specialist hospital in Umuahia, to boost the state’s capacity to tackle Ebola and other infectious diseases.
The commissioner also announced that no cases of diseases of public health importance, including Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, diphtheria, cholera and avian influenza, were recorded in the state between October 18 and November 1, 2026.
Breast cancer awareness
Kanu said the Office of the Wife of the Governor recently held a breast cancer awareness programme with the Ministries of Health and Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection. It was designed to educate women, encourage preventive care and promote routine screening for early detection.
Agriculture
On agriculture, the commissioner reported progress in the intervention programme being implemented across the state’s 17 local government areas in partnership with the councils. The initiative aims to establish sustainable agricultural enterprises, attract investment, boost food production and create jobs, while strengthening value chains and food security.
Housing
Kanu said the housing scheme at the Pocket Layout has drawn significant interest, with applications far exceeding available units. He said the government is committed to fairness, transparency and equity in allocation, and may introduce a lottery system to ensure a credible selection process.
He also revealed that a comprehensive needs assessment is underway across existing housing estates and layouts to identify infrastructure gaps, including internal roads, utilities, security facilities and other amenities, and to set priority areas for intervention.
“All these efforts are directed towards ensuring that the housing needs of Abians are adequately addressed in the coming months and years,” he said.
Commissioner for Housing, Architect Chiemela Uzoije, confirmed that construction is ongoing at the Pocket Layout.
“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,” he said.
Abandoned federal housing estates
On concerns over abandoned federal housing estates, Special Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, urged the media to keep holding public office holders accountable, particularly over federal housing projects that have been officially flagged off.
He maintained that the Abia government had met its obligations on the projects, including providing land and fulfilling other 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,” Ekeoma said.
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