The Abia State Government, through its waste management agency, popularly known as ASEPA, has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental cleanliness with a renewed enforcement of mandatory waste bins for all commercial vehicles operating within the state.

During a press conference at the agency’s complex in Umuahia, Mr. Ogbonnia Okereke, General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted cleanliness as a key priority of the new Abia administration. He assured that all resolutions from the meeting would be communicated directly to the Governor, reflecting the government’s commitment to policies that enhance the well-being of Abians.

According to him the initiative is part of broader efforts to sustain Abia’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s cleanest states.

He further stressed that all actions taken are geared toward the betterment of society and improved cleanliness in the state

Under the directive, every commercial vehicle including buses, tricycles (keke), and trucks must be equipped with a waste bin for passengers. Drivers are expected to properly dispose of the waste at designated parks, where larger bins will be installed to handle refuse collection.

Ogbonnia explained that small waste bins will be used in buses and tricycles while larger waste bins will be stationed at all motor parks.

“Every park must be equipped with these larger bins to ensure proper waste disposal while enforcement will be carried out in collaboration with transport unions to ensure effective compliance across the state

The ASEPA Boss clarified that the primary goal of the exercise is not to generate revenue through fines but to achieve total compliance and sustain the cleanliness already recorded in the state.

“There is zero tolerance for negligence, If a vehicle is found operating without a functional waste bin, it will be impounded and will be fined #50,000, Even if you own multiple bins but fail to place one in your vehicle, it will be treated as non-compliance.”

Operators have been given a two-week grace period to comply with the directive. The approved cost for waste bins has been set at ₦2,000 for buses and ₦1,300 for tricycles.

Present at the Press conference includes the Director General of the Abia State Orientation Agency (ABOA) Mrs Urenna Abazie and the leaders of the various transport units across the states.

All transport operators were also mandated to replace broken bins immediately and adhere strictly to the directive.

Ogbonnia concluded by emphasizing that compliance remains far more important than penalties, noting that the ultimate goal of the exercise is to preserve and improve the environmental standards Abia residents currently enjoy.

The family of Nze Samuel Nmaralam Igbokwe of Wowo Umueke-Umuyota, Umuawa Alaocha, Umuahia North LGA, Abia State, has formally commenced the burial preparations for their late matriarch, Dame Peace Onyekwulechi Igbokwe (née Ogu), fondly known as Peace Kwulechi, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 60.

The burial rites begin today with a Service of Songs at her Lagos residence located at 34 Road, A’Close, House 13, Gowon Estate.

According to the programme released by the family, the funeral activities will continue with a Service of Songs/Tribute Night on Friday, 9th January 2026 at the Igbokwe family residence in Umueke-Umuyota, Umuawa Alaocha.

The rites will progress on Saturday, 10th January 2026 with the departure of the body from the mortuary, lying-in-state at her residence, procession to church at Wesley Cathedral, funeral service, interment at the family compound, and a reception at Umuawa Central School.

A Thanksgiving Service will hold on Sunday, 11th January 2026 at Methodist Church, Umuawa Alaocha.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mayor Lucky Igbokwe (Don Lulu) appreciated friends, relatives, and well-wishers for their support as the family begins the solemn journey of laying their matriarch to rest.

Today President Bola Tinubu visits Abia to commission the 6.5km Port Harcourt- Aba Road, 11km Ohanku Road and other five (5)road projects including the newly retrofitted Michael Okpara auditorium initiated and executed by Governor Otti led Administration.

Commuters making use of these roads most especially the Portharcourt Aba rd can attest to the hellish and painful experience they face daily due to its dilapidated and terrible state as a result of decades-long neglect by past administrations thereby crippling economic activities and even posing serious health risks to the people due to heaps of refuse scattered across the road.

In fact this road’s condition even created informal employment opportunities for street boys who were ever ready to push out a vehicle stuck in the mud or even carry people on their backs in exchange for some money which highlights the immense suffering of those who ply the road.

Seeing that same road today will show you what intentional and purposeful governance is all about.

Upon assumption of duty as Governor ,Dr Alet Otti quickly intervened and awarded the contract of over #30Billion for the reconstruction of the 6.5km Port-hacourt -Aba Rd which has been abandoned for over three decades by previous administrations to the reputable construction giants Julius Berger while ensuring the road was properly and effectively executed in record time through close monitoring and supervision and equally lit the road with street lights making it safer and clearer for travellers thereby resurrected economic activities across the whole area.

Governance is indeed not rocket science and Dr Alex Otti has proven that countless times since he took the reins of leadership in Abia most especially with the delivery of this signature project which has brought back smiles to the residents of Aba and its environs

.Governor Otti during his campaign vowed to change the ugly narrative of Abia and he’s been doing that with a touch of class and elegance

The infrastructural sector health ,educational,agricultural and other sectors of the economy are all receiving much-needed boost and attention after suffering total neglect from previous administrations that held sway.

Aba and Umuahia once labelled as headquarters of bad roads are now undergoing significant infrastructural transformation with every nook and cranny turning into construction sites which have in turn boosted economic activities across the state. Healthcare facilities are being retrofitted and upgraded, schools are being renovated with 5000 teachers already recruited which has restored the lost confidence in public schools and has led to massive enrolment of pupils and students.

small and medium-scale enterprises, the backbone of Abia’s economy are also not left out as Governor Otti’s administration in collaboration with Bank of industry recently launched a #10Billion facility to support SMEs across the state in order to promote economic growth and job creation.

The Governor during his speeches will always say “We are not there yet ,but we are no longer where we used to be” .

Abians were once a laughing stock due to poor governance but can now walk proudly with shoulders held high thanks to Otti’s visionary and purposeful leadership in leaving no stone unturned to ensure the Abia of our dreams is actualized.

Indeed a new Abia is rising and we’re honored to be part of it.