The Abia State government has confirmed plans to institute a free health insurance scheme for pensioners in the State.
Briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting held late Monday and chaired by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu explained that the scheme will provide free medical services to the pensioners, adding, however, that it has nothing to do with the payment of their stipends.
The government, he said, has concluded plans to pay arrears of pensions by December 2023, adding that the free health insurance for pensioners is to add value to the process of defraying arrears of pensions owed the retirees by past administrations.
The commissioner said the government will formally launch the Abia State Orientation Agency in order to re-orientate Abia people and residents on the concept of the new Abia as envisaged and championed by Governor Otti.
He noted that there has been a disconnect between the government and the people, hence government considers it necessary to revamp the agency, which was enacted by Abia State House of Assembly in 2020.
According to him, 11 roads are ongoing and at different stages of completion including Cemetery, Old Express Road among others. He added that the Light Up Abia Initiative is still on course, noting that the focus is now in Umuahia where solar panels are being installed.
The Director General of Abia State Orientation Agency, Pastor Dike Nwankwo, said there is need for attitudinal change among the people, hence the government decided to resuscitate the Abia State Orientation Agency. He said the agency would help the present administration to achieve its dream of a new Abia, saying that after the launch, there would be Local Government and Ward Orientation Officers who would be deployed to ensure the people are adequately orientated.
Speaking also, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, said in line with the Federal Government law which empowers States to handle issues of electricity, the State government is planning to provide power by working with Discos to deliver power to Aba and Umuahia as well as the rural areas. He said, as promised by Dr. Otti during the campaigns, the State has kicked off water scheme for Ariaria and Ubakala, adding that other plans would be made public soon.
On road construction, the Commissioner for Works, Don Otumchere Oti said the government is concentrating on road construction in Aba, as Aba is centrally located and deserves rejuvenation. He said there was need to fix Aba and make it accessible. Engr. Oti assured that every other part of the State would follow suit in the road construction plan of the Dr. Alex Otti-led administration.