Abia Launches Biomedical Unit to Oversee Medical Equipment Maintenance and Repair

• Begins biogas project in secondary schools 

•As Otti Marks 3rd anniversary with inauguration of 25 roads

The Abia State Government has created a Biomedical Unit to oversee the maintenance and repair of medical equipment in state government hospitals, aiming to reduce downtime.

In a related initiative, the government has installed a biogas digester to launch a demonstration project in schools, promoting renewable energy adoption. A secondary school in Owerrinta has been selected as the pilot site.

Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu announced these developments at Government House, Umuahia, during a joint press briefing on the outcomes of this week’s State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting. He also noted that Governor Alex Otti will inaugurate more than 25 road projects to celebrate his third anniversary in office.

To ensure medical equipment remains functional, Kanu revealed that a hands‑on training programme is underway for Biomedical Engineers and Ministry of Health staff. The programme, conducted in partnership with Medshare USA and CPR USA Engineers, aims to build local capacity for maintaining modern medical equipment in state‑owned health facilities.

The 10‑day training, designed to strengthen local expertise, began on 12 May 2026 and will conclude on 22 May 2026.

Commissioner for Health Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche explained that the Biomedical Unit was established to sustain the state’s healthcare reforms.

“We don’t just want to build hospitals, equip them, and then have the equipment malfunction, preventing the quality of care the governor has promised in Abia,” Uche said. “This unit was thoughtfully created to maintain equipment and reduce or eliminate downtime.”

Regarding the biogas project, Kanu said it is intended to demonstrate the feasibility of converting organic waste into renewable energy within educational institutions across the state.

“The biogas initiative will assess affordability, scalability, and acceptance of the technology in schools while generating research data that could support wider implementation,” Kanu stated. “When fully operational, the programme will show that biogas can be a viable renewable energy source from organic waste in schools and institutions.”

The pilot project is in its early stages, with gas production expected to begin within a few weeks. If successful, the initiative will be replicated in other schools and public institutions throughout Abia.

Concerning the third anniversary celebrations this month, Kanu reiterated that Governor Alex Otti will inaugurate over 25 road projects across the state.

He listed some of the roads to be commissioned, including the Onuimo‑Tower road, Abiriba‑Ohafia road, Nunya‑Isuikwuato road, and the Umuafai‑Lodu‑Ahiaeke‑Okwuta road, among others.

The Commissioner said the State Executive Council has urged all political appointees to take particular interest in and ownership of government projects within their communities, ensuring that minor repairs or improvements in infrastructure are addressed as needed.

He added that appointees are also tasked with ensuring that state projects in their domains are fixed and maintained, schools are kept sanitary, and communities remain clean and hygienic.

“In this way, mayors, councilors, and local government appointees will engage in developing infrastructure and maintaining a clean environment in their communities,” Kanu said.

He further explained that this approach helps the state government build a supportive network for communities from both state and local government levels.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma warned that the state government will adopt a firm stance against drivers who run against traffic, especially in the state capital. He noted that the government has observed with dismay how some drivers ignore traffic signals and will enforce penalties in accordance with existing traffic laws.