The Abia State Government is set to make a historic entry into the Guinness Book of Records as it backs an attempt by Aba-based artist Mr Noah Geoffrey to paint 300 faces in one hour, surpassing the current global record of 217.
The State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who announced this during a press briefing at Government House, Umuahia, said the feat, officially approved by Guinness World Records, is scheduled to take place on May 23, 2025, at Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, with full support from the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and all materials sourced locally.
Prince Kanu also used the briefing to issue a stern warning to vandals and thieves targeting government assets, revealing that the facility manager of Aba Textile Mill and two staff members have been arrested for alleged theft and vandalism of the state-owned facility.
“The state will not tolerate criminal acts. Anyone caught sabotaging government property will face the full wrath of the law,” Kanu said.
On infrastructure, the Commissioner disclosed that Umuode Road, Bakassi Road, and Isi-Ihitteukwu Close near Ariaria Market have been completed and are ready for commissioning, while work continues on Umuosi, Ihuoma, and Umukanna Roads as part of the GADA-led urban renewal project.
He added that the government has directed the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) to fast-track the creation of a new Umuahia City, aimed at expanding and modernising the state capital. In a similar move, the long-abandoned vocational and skills centre at Mgbarakuma, Ubakala, will be renovated and reactivated to train Abia youths.
He noted that as the Otti administration approaches its second anniversary, the state plans a low-key celebration, focusing on a mid-term review rather than fanfare. Activities will include an interdenominational Thanksgiving, presentation of scorecards by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and project commissioning.
Prince Kanu also highlighted Abia’s growing success in sports. At the recently held NDDC Sports Festival, Abia athletes won 33 medals, including 9 gold, 10 silver, and 14 bronze, while also hosting national handball tournaments for under-12 and under-15 categories.
The Whistler reports that present at the briefing were the Commissioners for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuribe.
