The Abia State Government has dismissed reports of a possible ban on commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke, assuring residents that it has no plans to stop their operations in the state.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, gave the clarification while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said the government would not be pressured into banning Keke operations when there was no compelling reason to do so. Instead, he said the administration was focused on streamlining the operations of commercial vehicles and tricycles to create a cleaner and more efficient transport system while reducing congestion in major city centres.
He acknowledged that the number of Keke operators in Abia had increased following restrictions on their operations in some neighbouring states but stressed that a ban was not being considered.
Abia Plans More Support for South Africa Returnees
Kanu also disclosed that the state government was processing another batch of Abians affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa for repatriation and reintegration.
He said the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection was coordinating efforts to identify affected residents, facilitate their voluntary return and support their reintegration.
“We will continue to identify such Abians and make efforts to ensure that they return safely to the country and to their home state.”
The government is also maintaining contact with Abia community leaders in South Africa to identify and verify other residents who may be stranded or in need of assistance.
MTN Network Expansion Reaches 77%
The commissioner said Abia had recorded significant progress in its partnership with MTN Nigeria to achieve full voice and data coverage across the state, with 77 per cent of newly deployed network sites now operational.
The expansion has extended telecommunications services to previously underserved communities, although Kanu expressed concern over the vandalisation of some network sites and fibre infrastructure, particularly in parts of Aba.
He said the damage had slowed progress towards restoring almost 100 per cent coverage.
“The belief is that in the coming weeks, we will go back to 100 per cent coverage so that in every part of Abia State where you are, you will be able to make use of the internet, both voice and data.”
Among the communities benefiting from the new infrastructure are areas along Aba-Umuahia Road in Isiala Ngwa South, Umuako Health Centre in Isiala Ngwa North, parts of Umuahia South and Ohafia, and several communities in Aba and other locations.
Kanu appealed to residents to protect the facilities, describing the project as one expected to transform the state’s business environment.
Newly Recruited Teachers to Undergo Training
The commissioner also announced a mandatory five-day orientation programme for newly recruited teachers from September 7 to 12.
The training will take place at Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, and Federal Government Girls’ College, Umuahia.
He said the programme would introduce the teachers to the responsibilities of public servants, the education vision of the Otti administration and modern learner-centred teaching methods.
Participants will also receive training in digital literacy, classroom technology, data-driven teaching tools, STEM methodologies and vocational alignment.
43 Locations Receive Road Maintenance
Kanu disclosed that direct-labour maintenance works had been carried out at 43 locations across the state during the period under review, with two projects completed.
They include the rainy-season maintenance of the 5.2-kilometre Umuehim-Okpuala Ngwa Road and the 250-metre access road to Chidi Ubani Memorial Hospital at the Obingwa Local Government Headquarters.
He said 26 road projects remained under contract, although heavy rainfall had slowed work at several locations.
Survey and inspection activities are continuing to ensure compliance with approved alignments, levels and specifications.
Women’s August Meeting, Gender-Based Violence
The commissioner described the recently concluded 2026 Abia Women’s August Meeting as a new model for grassroots development and women’s empowerment across the state’s 17 local government areas.
He said the initiative now includes economic empowerment, skills development, social protection and support for vulnerable women, in addition to its traditional cultural and social activities.
Kanu also disclosed that the state’s Sexual Assault Referral Centres recorded eight cases of sexual and gender-based violence during the period under review, involving survivors aged between four and 25.
He said the alleged perpetrators included neighbours, landlords, family members and an employee, while some victims were allegedly subjected to repeated assaults.
The centres, according to him, are providing medical, psychosocial and legal support to survivors while working with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators face justice.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghaukwa, said the state government supported women during the August meeting through skills-acquisition programmes and other empowerment initiatives.
Source: Abia State Government briefing.
