By CHARLES IWUOHA

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, says his government will soon flag-off the waste-to-wealth initiative aimed at turning debris into wealth for the development of Abia State.

Governor Otti disclosed this on Thursday in Government House, Umuahia, during the October edition of "Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians", a monthly interactive programme of the Governor.

The Governor acknowledged that waste collection and disposal have been properly dealt with in the State from the inception of his administration, when he declared state of emergency on waste management, but said that the process is now moving to the next level of turning the waste into wealth.

This was contained in statement issued on Thursday by the governor's Chief press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha and made available to journalists in Umuahia on Friday.

"We are now moving to the next stage of waste management, and that is proper waste treatment, recycling, and turning the waste into wealth.

"We have done extensive studies. We find out that it is very expensive. So, while it is going to cost some money, I would believe that, like it has been done in places like Austria and other parts of Europe, we will be able to turn the rubbish into gas, methane, and also power.

"We have started engaging with potential partners. And then we also have some strong cooperation from some institutions and industries that work in other States.

"So, some partnership agreements have been signed. So, in the near or distant future, we will flag off the waste-to-wealth initiative in the state," Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti informed Abians that, just as he reported on the State's acquisition of Star Paper Mill, he has equally concluded plans to acquire the Afro-Leverages in Aba, adding that, the State government 's offer to that effect has been accepted.

"Recently, we also concluded and our offer has been accepted also for Afro-Leverages. I believe it's on Aba – Port Harcourt Expressway.

"The company is still running. It's also a growing concern. Today, it's owned by AMCON.

"So, we have made an offer that has been accepted and we are going to pay AMCON in seven installments, starting from next month. As soon as all the paperwork is completed, we will take ownership of those companies," Gov. Otti stated.

He explained the essence of acquiring the assets for the state.

"The whole idea, like I had always mentioned, is not for us to run or even own them.

"We believe that government is an enabler. I'm sure that if an individual went to acquire those companies, they would probably not succeed. So, the idea is to acquire those companies, get experts to come in and partner with government, to run it as private institutions.

"The whole idea is that we want these companies to come back to life as major employers of labour for our young people,” Dr. Otti stated.

He highlighted some progress made in education and health sectors, informing Abians that, additional 4,000 teachers would be recruited before the end of the year to complete the number of new teachers to 9,000 plus to make up the short fall in the number of teachers in the state.

The State's Chief Executive added that, some school buildings which were dilapidated would be pulled down and reconstructed.

He further said that for the health sector, non-Nigerians were part of candidates that applied for the current recruitment exercise of health workers in the State, adding that the process has remained transparent.

The Governor called on all to be security conscious and report all security breaches to the appropriate quarters. He directed that the November edition of the Monthly Media Chat be held at the newly remodeled Michael Okpara Auditorium.