A unified task force has been commissioned by the Abia State Government to oversee the implementation of state and local government programs and policies.

This was revealed by the state’s commissioner of information and culture, Okey Kanu, during a Monday briefing of reporters at the state capital’s Government House on the results of this week’s Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu stated that the task force’s arrival will put an end to the state’s practice of touting and harassing citizens. The task force will consist of coordinators who would have specific duties.

The commissioner also revealed that prior to the task force members’ official inauguration by the state government, a retreat is scheduled by the latter.

He announced that the task force members will come from the city’s LGs as well as a number of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

“There will be a retreat later in the week for the take-off of the unified task force being sponsored by the state government. That is the one-stop-taskforce that will handle all issues of enforcement and government initiatives across the state.

“Once they are in place, every issue about touting and unnecessary harassment of Abia citizens and residents would cease,” he said.

As the maiden Governor’s Unity Games among secondary schools is taking place in Umuahia, the commissioner also disclosed that the state government and a few scouts from Hungary are collaborating on an initiative.

He said, “The partnership would lead to the establishment of an International Sports College in Abia to provide opportunities for the young talents in the various sports activities to express themselves even beyond the shores of Nigeria.

“In line with the strategic approach to governance by His Excellency and this government, almost every sector is receiving attention, and sports is very much in the frame. There are ongoing sports, and there are scouts from Hungary. They have come to scout those kids. The government wants to run sports as a business that will, at the end of the day, benefit our youths,”

Using the occasion, Kanu declared that the state governor would kick off construction on the 11.5 km Nunya-Eluama Road on Tuesday, March 26.

He claimed that the road would open up the region and enable farmers to deliver their goods to cities by passing through a few neighboring settlements, including Umuebere, Umunnekwu, Amiyi Obinohia, and Amaba.

Contributing as well, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Advisor to the Governor on Media and Publicity, stated that Umuahia has two zones within the unified task force, while Aba has four zones.