Abia Issues Diphtheria Alert, To Commission 55 Projects Against Disease

The Abia State Government has issued a strong health advisory over the recent outbreak of diphtheria in neighbouring Imo State, urging residents to take preventive measures to protect themselves and the state from the spread of the disease.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who made this known during a press briefing at the Government House, Umuahia, on Monday, after the weekly Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, said the proximity between the two states necessitated urgent public health vigilance.

“Because Imo State is our immediate neighbour, and considering the contagious nature of diphtheria, Abians must be proactive,” Kanu said.

“We are urging all residents to ensure that children are fully vaccinated, and adults who are unsure of their immunisation status should also get vaccinated. Vaccines are available.”

He warned against self-medication and emphasised the need for prompt medical attention, saying, “Any individual, especially children, showing signs such as a sore throat, fever, or swollen neck glands should be taken to the hospital immediately.

Kanu also urged the public to maintain proper hygiene by washing their hands regularly with soap and water, covering their mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of illness.

He called on community leaders, school authorities, traditional rulers, and religious institutions to support sensitisation efforts across the state.

Despite the public health concerns, Kanu revealed that the state is set to commission 55 projects in the coming days as part of Governor Otti’s infrastructure transformation programme.

“In line with the governor’s promise, Abia will in the coming weeks witness an unprecedented wave of project commissioning and flag-offs. Out of the 55 projects, 42 have been completed and are ready for commissioning, while 13 new projects will be flagged off,” he said.

The projects, he said, span across key sectors including health, road infrastructure, housing, public utilities, and commerce.

The rollout also involves agencies such as the Greater Abia Development Authority (GADA) and the Public-Private Partnership Implementation Office.

Notably, 17 Primary Health Centres—one in each federal constituency—alongside 14 roads are among the projects to be unveiled. Details regarding the schedule and venues for the events will also be made public in the coming days.

At the same briefing, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba, announced that Abia State ranked 11th overall in the country at the recently concluded National Sports Festival, clinching 70 medals, including 12 gold, 18 silver, and 40 bronze.

“This performance marks a significant milestone for Abia. We are beginning to see the fruits of the investments made by the Otti administration in grassroots sports development. The state has never had it this good.”

He added that the state would host a Youth Stakeholders Town Hall Meeting on June 5, 2025. The meeting, according to him, would gather young leaders and stakeholders to proffer solutions to challenges such as unemployment, drug abuse, and insecurity.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Chimezie Ukegbu, said the government has begun strict enforcement against one-way driving, which he described as a growing menace in Aba and Umuahia.

He announced the deployment of enforcement teams to strategic locations in both cities to apprehend offenders.

“Driving against traffic is dangerous and has led to several accidents across the state. The time has come for violators to be apprehended and held accountable,” Ukegbu said.

He stressed that enforcement would be strict and without exception, saying, “No one is above the law. Even the governor’s convoy follows traffic rules.

“The only exemption applies to health emergencies and ambulances. Any vehicle caught violating the rules will be fined, impounded, and may be auctioned if not claimed after a specified period,” he said.

Ukegbu added that the campaign was part of the administration’s commitment to restoring discipline on Abia roads and protecting the lives of road users.

The commissioners reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to improving public health, infrastructure, youth development, and law enforcement, urging residents to cooperate and support ongoing reforms.

Abia Issues Diphtheria Alert, To Commission 55 Projects Against Disease is first published on The Whistler Newspaper