Abia Health Recruitment gathers pace as the state employs 649 medical personnel to strengthen hospitals and primary care across communities

The Abia State Government has announced the employment of 649 medical personnel under its 2025 exercise, a move officials described as a strong and deliberate step to deepen healthcare delivery across the state.

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The development was disclosed on Monday in Umuahia during a briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the latest intake under the Abia Health Recruitment drive reflected the administration’s resolve to rebuild confidence in public healthcare and expand access to quality services for residents.

He explained that the figure represented the bulk of the 771 health workers already approved for engagement.

According to Kanu, the remaining positions would be filled shortly, noting that the Ministry of Health remains open to further recruitment beyond the approved number if the need arises.

He said 432 of those employed were nurses who had been deployed to primary healthcare centres currently being upgraded and made fully functional across the state.

He added that the Abia Health Recruitment exercise had attracted professionals with international exposure, revealing that some recruits declined opportunities abroad to work in Abia due to trust in the government’s reforms and leadership direction.

He also confirmed the employment of a neurosurgeon with a rare specialty, describing it as a major gain for the state’s health sector.

Beyond healthcare, Kanu disclosed that the Ministry of Housing would soon commence construction of a Civil Service Commission Pocket Layout estate in Umuahia.

He said the project was designed to deliver affordable and high quality housing while adhering strictly to approved standards.

He further revealed that discussions were at an advanced stage with private developers for additional estates at Mbaisi and Mbarakuma Ubakala under a public private partnership arrangement, aimed at easing housing pressure in the capital.

On transport, the commissioner said temporary charging stations had been installed to support electric buses currently providing free commercial services.

He added that a 2MVA electricity distribution substation had been installed at the Umuahia Bus Terminal to ensure smooth operations.

Kanu also announced that the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority would issue an order before the end of January to regulate electricity activities in the state, a move expected to enhance consumer protection and service delivery.

He warned landlords and transport operators that enforcement would begin on the removal of illegal building attachments and roadside parking, urging compliance to improve safety and the visual appeal of Umuahia.

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Officials present at the briefing included the Commissioner for Housing, Architect Chiemela Uzojie, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Kingsley Agomuo, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Njoku Okaoha.