Abia to reclaim 20% gully erosion sites in 2012

Theodore Orji

Abia to reclaim 20% gully erosion sites in 2012

The Abia State Government, in Eastern Nigeria, has expressed its determination to reclaim and rehabilitate 20 per cent of gully erosion sites in the state in 2012.

The state Governor, Theodore Orji, made the promise at a meeting with prominent Abia indigenes in Umuahia on Monday, saying the state was one of the six states benefitting from the World Bank Ecological Fund.

In his words, “the Government will endeavour to reclaim and rehabilitate 20 per cent of our gully sites by the end of 2012.’’  

He said Abia people would be adequately sensitised on the prevention and control of soil erosion and other ecological threats. 

Orji also announced that efforts would be intensified to provide infrastructure necessary for the industrial growth and development of the state.

“Moribund industries, such as Aba Textile Mills Plc and Golden Guinea Plc, would be rehabilitated to start full scale production,’’ he said.
                                        
Economic agenda

Orji said the government had concluded arrangements to build a cement factory in Arochukwu Local Government Area of the state.

 He said the government's new economic agenda would be sustained and strengthened in 2012.

“A few weeks ago, a new economic empowerment programme was launched in the state by the Federal Government.  

“The programme christened ‘YOU WIN’, is aimed at encouraging skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment of the youth,’’ he said.  

He said the programme would help in reducing unemployment in the state.  

NAN/Williams/Cokey