The Abia State Government has reopened the Lokpanta and Uzuakoli abattoirs following extensive renovations aimed at improving hygiene standards, initially shuttered due to unsanitary conditions. Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu announced the move during a post-executive council briefing, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance public health and environmental sustainability.
In tandem with the abattoir upgrades, the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has rolled out door-to-door and street-to-street waste collection services in parts of Umuahia, Aba, and Abia North. This initiative seeks to curb littering and promote cleaner urban spaces. However, ASEPA’s General Manager, Ogbonnaya Okereke, raised alarms over hazardous meat processing practices, noting that some vendors use tire flames—a method linked to toxic chemical contamination. To address this, the state plans to convert cow dung into biogas, offering a safer, eco-friendly energy alternative for meat processing while reducing waste.
In a celebratory vein, the government hailed Abia Warriors Football Club’s historic qualification for a CAF continental ticket, marking a milestone in the state’s sports sector. Conversely, a somber note accompanied the announcement of burial arrangements for the late Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Sunny Onwuma, who passed away recently. His interment is scheduled for May 15, 2025, with further details to be disclosed by the family.