Abia Govt Unveils Citizens’ Engagement Centre, Targets 100% Network Coverage Across Abia

The Abia State Government (ABSG) has disclosed that the Citizens’ Engagement Centre is ready for commissioning by the State Governor.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this known on Tuesday at the Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu stated that the Centre would help strengthen communication between the government and citizens.
He explained that Governor Alex Otti approved the establishment of the Centre as a robust, technology-driven platform designed to facilitate real-time engagement between the government and the public.
According to him, the Centre will aggregate inquiries, complaints, suggestions, and feedback from citizens and channel them to the appropriate Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for prompt resolution, particularly on matters of public interest.
The Information Commissioner further disclosed that, in addition to enhancing service delivery, the Centre will serve as a valuable data collection and processing hub to support evidence-based policymaking, programme evaluation, and feedback management across government institutions.
Prince Kanu also highlighted the State Government’s strategic partnership with MTN Nigeria aimed at achieving 100 percent voice and data network coverage across the state.
He noted that the first phase of the project, which targets full network coverage, is expected to be completed within the next eight to ten weeks.
“Upon completion, the project will significantly enhance social and financial inclusion, improve access to healthcare and education, and strengthen security across the state,” he said.
He added that residents, including those in the most remote communities across the state, will have access to reliable MTN broadband services.
Prince Kanu further informed journalists that the State Government, through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, will host the Canvas, Culture and Arts Festival 2026 with the theme, “Defining Us.”
He disclosed that the event is scheduled to hold on Thursday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium by 10:00 a.m.
According to him, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour.
The festival will feature art exhibitions, cultural displays, creative engagements, networking opportunities, and inspiring interactions between emerging and established artists.
The programme is expected to showcase the rich cultural heritage and creative talents of the people of the state.
Contributing, the Chief Information Officer to the Governor, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe, said that the government is partnering with MTN to achieve network densification in every nook and cranny of the state, adding that the partnership will expand access to voice and data coverage.
He emphasised that the Citizens’ Engagement Centre is not designed as a physical walk-in facility but as a contact centre that enables citizens to engage with government through multiple digital and communication channels.
According to him, citizens will be able to access government services, lodge complaints, make inquiries, provide feedback, and receive responses without having to travel to a physical location.
“Communication channels will include telephone calls, emails, WhatsApp, and other digital platforms,” he stated.
Mr. Ilukwe noted that the Centre is designed to operate in the same manner as modern customer service platforms used by banks, telecommunications companies, and airlines, where customers interact remotely rather than through physical contact.