The Abia State Government revealed, on Monday, that over 17,000 applicants applied for the recently advertised teaching positions in primary and secondary schools across the state.

It also announced a target of N120bn in internally generated revenue for the year.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

He noted that last week, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education provided details of the online recruitment portals for teachers.

?So far, about 17,000 applications have been received and processed, and the number is still growing. The shortlisted candidates will undergo a computer-based test, after which successful applicants will proceed to an oral interview. Only those who pass both stages will be recruited. The entire process will be merit-based and transparent, ensuring equal opportunity for all,? Kanu stated.

Speaking on the state?s revenue drive, the commissioner emphasised the government?s commitment to increasing IGR in 2025.

He noted that responsible governments at all levels prioritise revenue generation to sustain developmental projects, and Abia is no exception.

?Since the inception of this administration, the government has made remarkable progress in revenue generation. While we may not yet be where we want to be, we have significantly improved. In the 2025 budget, the government plans to scale up its IGR to about N120bn, representing a 207 percent increase over last year?s target,? he said.

Kanu also highlighted the completion of a medical mission in the state by Revive, a Belgium-based medical group.

He reported that the mission carried out 114 major surgeries, some of which were highly complex, and treated over 915 patients with various medical conditions.

The initiative also facilitated the acquisition of advanced medical equipment for the Abia State Teaching Hospital, where the mission took place.

In the area of infrastructure, he disclosed that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection had awarded contracts for rural road maintenance in several local government areas, including Isuikwuato, Isialangwa North and South, Obingwa, Ikwuano, Ukwa East, and Ugwunagbo. Contractors are expected to be mobilised soon for work on 59 kilometers of roads under the World Bank-sponsored Abia State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project.

The commissioner further announced that the government is implementing various reform initiatives to enhance service delivery through developmental programmes.

Additionally, a retreat for government appointees is being organised to reassess strategies and align with the administration?s vision.

?The retreat will provide an opportunity to review achievements over the past six months. It will be a continuous exercise to ensure that everyone remains focused on Governor Otti?s vision for the state,? Kanu added. (The PUNCH)

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