The Abia state government has announced that it intends to establish an innovation park and a modular refinery to accelerate economic development in the state.
Minister of Information Okey Kanu made the announcement during a news conference on the outcome of the State Executive Council at the Government House, Umuahia.
He said plans were underway to build the park and refinery and the decision to embark on the project was informed by the resolve of Otti to fulfil his campaign promises to the people of Abia.
The Commissioner added that the initiative would provide an avenue for the Abia government to address the issue of youth unemployment.
Kanu said; “A lot of investors are showing strong interest to partner with the government to establish the innovation park. The park will house an incubation centre. Those involved in manufacturing, logistics, power, and modular refinery will form part of this park.”
On the government’s plans to pay pension, he said that Otti’s administration was committed to resolving all hitches. According to him, the state government was making efforts to ensure payment of 100 percent pension to pensioners.
He, however, apologised to pensioners over the shortfall in the June payment and attributed the shortfall to the historical method adopted by the past administration. He also explained that said the method was being reviewed to ensure that pensioners would be paid 100 per cent of their pension and, subsequently, their outstanding before the end of the year.
On his part, the commissioner for petroleum and mineral resources, Joel Ogbonna, said efforts were ongoing to rehabilitate the road leading to the Osisioma depot to make the modular refinery functional and accessible to oil marketers.
He said Abia state was making efforts to effect repairs on the vandalised Port Harcourt-Osisioma pipeline damaged by suspected vandals. He added that plans were underway to set up a modular refinery in Ukwa West through public-private partnership as part of the government’s efforts to address the high cost of petroleum products.
