Abia State Government has warned that school proprietors who fail to comply with the directive to resume the 2024/2025 academic session on September 23 will face sanctions. This warning was issued by Prince Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information, during a press briefing following the week’s Executive Council meeting. Kanu criticized some schools for resuming before the official date, stating that such actions undermine the regulatory measures being enforced by Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
The Commissioner announced that the Ministry of Education would investigate and identify schools that did not adhere to the resumption date. Kanu emphasized the government’s commitment to enforcing strong regulations in the education sector and warned that non-compliant schools could face penalties.
Additionally, Kanu addressed the issue of illegal occupation of public lands by private individuals, religious organizations, communities, and market associations. He assured that the Committee on the Recovery of School Lands would continue its efforts to reclaim these lands. The government also cautioned against the destruction of public property, highlighting recent arrests related to damage along Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard.
The Commissioner urged communities, traditional rulers, and youth leaders to protect government facilities and support the state’s efforts to develop Umuahia and Aba into smart cities. He noted that Abia State would host a delegation from the South East Council of Traditional Rulers on September 24, underscoring the positive impact of Governor Otti’s administration.
Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Agency, reported the destruction of over 15 manholes along the Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard and stressed the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards the vandalism of public infrastructure.
