Abia government approves establishment of innovation park, modular refinery

Our reporter/ An innovation park and a modular refinery will be established in Abia to accelerate economic development, the state government has said.

Abia state information commissioner Okey Kanu, who made the disclosure while briefing reporters on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Umuahia, revealed that plans are underway to build the park and refinery.

According to him, the decision to embark on the project was informed by the resolve of Gov Otti to fulfil his campaign promises to the people of Abia as the initiative would provide an avenue for the Abia government to address the issue of youth unemployment.

“A lot of investors are showing strong interest to partner government to establish the innovation park. The park will house an incubation centre. Those involved in manufacturing, logistics, power, modular refinery will form part of this park,” Kanu said.

The commissioner further stated that the government is committed to resolving all hitches in respect to payment of pensions.

While apologising to pensioners over the shortfall in the June payment and attributed the shortfall to the historical method adopted by the past administration, he assured them of government committement to full payment to pensioners.

According to the commissioner, 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.

Also speaking at the event, 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 facility functional and accessible to oil marketers.

According to him, the Abia government was making efforts to effect repairs on the vandalised Port Harcourt-Osisioma pipeline damaged by suspected vandals.

He further confirmed 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.