A high-level Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team has arrived in Abia State to inspect ongoing federal and state government projects across the state.

The visit is part of the Renewed Hope National Media Tour, which focuses on projects being implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governments across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday and presided over by Governor Alex Otti, Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the visit was significant considering the existing partnership between the state and the Federal Government.

“This is part of the Renewed Hope National Media Tour of projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governments,” Kanu said.

He explained that the tour was designed to showcase projects across the country and noted that the cordial relationship between Abia State and the Federal Government had resulted in collaborations on key initiatives.

According to him, projects such as the airport development initiative and the recently launched Renewed Hope Housing Estate project reflect the benefits of the partnership between both levels of government.

The commissioner disclosed that members of the media team would visit various locations across Abia to assess road projects and other development programmes being executed across the state’s 17 local government areas.

He added that the tour would end with a civic reception hosted by Governor Alex Otti in honour of the visiting team.

Kanu also announced that full operations had commenced at the ultra-modern Umuahia bus terminal, with transport operators gradually relocating to the facility.

He said the first phase of operations involves the Abia Green Shuttle buses, while the second phase covers informal transport operators, followed by formal transport operators in the third phase.

The commissioner said stakeholders had expressed satisfaction with the terminal’s operations, although some operators initially resisted the relocation process due to concerns about adapting to the new arrangement.

“There appears to be some pushback among some operators, and this is a result of the fact that people are not always willing to embrace change easily,” he said.

He explained that about 39 transport operators were involved in the relocation exercise and disclosed that enforcement measures would begin to ensure full compliance with the directive.

“Enforcement will also commence today (Tuesday) to bring all the operators into the terminal,” he added.

Speaking on infrastructure development, Kanu said the state government remained committed to expanding and improving the road network across Abia.

“Despite these laudable achievements, the transformative work in road infrastructure continues,” he stated.

The commissioner also announced plans by the Abia State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor, to mark the International Day of the Boy Child on June 16, 2026.

He further disclosed that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, working with the governor’s wife’s office, would join global activities marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

According to him, activities for the observance include public awareness campaigns on the rights of older persons, available support services, and reporting channels for cases of abuse.

“As part of activities marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2026, the ministry will undertake public sensitisation and awareness campaigns on elders’ rights, protection services and available reporting mechanisms,” he said.

Kanu added that the ministry would engage senior citizens, community leaders, and development partners on the Senior Citizens Policy Framework while strengthening collaboration with healthcare providers and social protection agencies.

He said the initiative is aimed at improving the protection of older persons and promoting an inclusive society where senior citizens can live with dignity, safety, and hope.