ABIA State Governor Alex Otti is poised to sign the Abia State Climate Change Policy Document, a landmark initiative expected to position the state for global climate financing and sustainable environmental management.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made the disclosure on Tuesday at Government House Umuahia while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Otti.
He said the policy would address major environmental challenges confronting the state.
“The Abia State Climate Change Policy Document is ready for sign off by His Excellency. Once it becomes operational, the international community will begin to take Abia State more seriously in climate action, opening up several climate funding opportunities across different sectors,” Kanu stated.
“The implementation of this policy will help reduce climate-related challenges such as flooding, erosion, heat waves, health risks and food insecurity, while freeing up resources currently spent on ecological interventions and ensuring environmental sustainability.”
Governor Orders Immediate Intervention at Erosion Sites
The Commissioner further announced that Governor Otti has directed the immediate deployment of intervention and mitigation measures to the Amamba-Uzuakoli flood and erosion site in Bende Local Government Area and the Ipupe-Ubakala flood site in Umuahia South Local Government Area.
“Relief will soon come to the people of Amamba-Uzuakoli and Ipupe-Ubakala. His Excellency has directed the Honourable Commissioner for Environment to urgently deploy intervention and mitigation measures to recover lost land and protect lives and property in the affected communities,” he stated.
He explained that the Commissioner for Environment and his team of Engineers had already conducted on-the-spot assessments of the affected areas, adding that intensive efforts were underway to ensure that remediation works commence immediately.
Environmental Sanitation Drive Yields Results
Kanu also highlighted the Ministry of Environment’s environmental sanitation achievements across the state, noting that during the period under review, 103 communities were visited for environmental sensitisation and sanitary inspections, over 9,000 premises were inspected, 37,500 abatement notices were issued for environmental health violations, while 2,500 premises achieved compliance after follow-up inspections.
“These efforts have continued to keep Abia among the cleanest states in Nigeria,” Prince Kanu stated.
Mathematics Competition Inspires Academic Excellence
In a related development, the Commissioner announced that the Ministry, in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, successfully organised the maiden edition of the 2026 Abia State Mathematics Kings and Queens Competition, which attracted over 600 pupils and students from public and private schools across the state.
“This competition is designed to encourage our children to develop a positive attitude towards Mathematics while rewarding excellence and inspiring healthy academic competition,” he stated.
The climate policy initiative marks a significant step in Abia State’s commitment to environmental sustainability and positions the state to tap into the growing pool of international climate finance aimed at supporting developing regions in their transition to climate-resilient economies.
