Abia introduces free meals for primary schools

Abia State government has approved the introduction of free meal programme for primary schools in the state.

The pilot programme, which is to kick off soon with 10 selected poor primary schools in each LGA, is designed to encourage pupils to come to school.

Under the programme, which is to be handled by the state ministry of women affairs, a total of 3000 pupils are to be fed in each LGA every week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Bonnie Iwuoha, commissioner for information and strategy, who disclosed this while briefing the press on the outcome of the second state executive council meeting, said the state governor was worried that many pupils in the rural areas go to school hungry, pointing out that the measure would go a long way in alleviating their plight.

The information boss disclosed that the government directed the ministry of public utilities to revitalize 52 existing abandoned water schemes across various parts of the state starting with the Uturu water scheme, which is to be made functional before the end of December this year.

Iwuoha further said that the government also approved the installation of streetlights on reconstructed roads in major cities, as 570 stainless steel poles have been made available for that project.

He also hinted that Exco resolved that integrated farming programme be employed in the state with emphasis on oil palm planting, poultry, cocoa farming, cereal and root crop production in every available space while the state ministry of Agriculture was directed to produce a detailed work plan for the rehabilitation of the Ogwe Golden chicken farm in Ukwa West LGA, The Abia palm plantation in Ukwa East LGA  and the Ulonna farm settlement in Umuahia North.

The commissioner revealed that government is to embark on massive road rehabilitation this dry season with the grading of 10 km of roads in each of the 17 LGAs while it directed that pot holes on roads in Umuahia and other cities in the state be patched before Christmas.

He made public that future markets in the state would be provided with conveniences, transparent covered roofs, fire services, police stations and car parks among others to ensure that they are brought to international standard as well as to encourage entrepreneurs to do their business with ease.