Aba South Local Government Area in Abia State has launched commercial poultry and piggery farms to increase internally generated revenue, create employment, and equip residents with practical animal husbandry skills, Council Chairman Chief Obialo Anyanwu announced while presenting his administration's two-year scorecard.
The poultry farm sits on 14 plots of land, while the piggery occupies seven plots. Three poultry buildings have been erected, two are already roofed, and staff quarters have reached the lintel level. Anyanwu said the facilities could become operational by the end of the year and will double as training centres where residents, including agriculture department staff, can learn techniques to start their own ventures.
What do the commercial farms entail?
The chairman emphasized a shift from short-term handouts to sustainable empowerment. "We don't believe in all these 10kg of rice empowerment. What we want in Aba South is giving our people that level of empowerment that will make them self-sustaining and employ others," he stated. The projects are designed to generate steady income for the council while building local capacity in livestock management.
How is healthcare being improved?
In partnership with the Abia State Government, the council has established and equipped 22 Glycoster World Primary Healthcare Centres across the area. The facilities have been commissioned and are now operational. The administration has also organised free medical tests and treatments for residents.
What educational support has been provided?
The council supported Governor Alex Otti's free back-to-school programme by distributing 4,000 school bags to primary school pupils. Although the initial target was 10,000 beneficiaries, an enumeration exercise revealed higher eligibility, prompting a phased distribution. The council is also collaborating with the state government on primary school development, including the ongoing construction of a smart school along Etche Road.
What progress has been made on digital skills?
More than 130 residents have completed digital skills training across three cohorts: 50 graduates in the first cohort, 30 in the second, and another 50 in the third.
What progress has been made on roads and infrastructure?
Shortly after Anyanwu assumed office on November 4, 2024, the council began road grading. Over 20 kilometres of roads across the 12 wards were graded between late November 2024 and early January 2025, with an additional 28 kilometres covered by the end of 2025. Ongoing projects include Obohia Road — designed with a drainage system to channel floodwater from various parts of Aba into the river — as well as Umuebeke Road, Uratta Road, and Old Express Road. Completion of these roads is expected to improve community access and allow the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) to extend operations to previously hard-to-reach areas.
How has the administration addressed revenue leakages?
Anyanwu cited the removal of individuals and companies allegedly operating unauthorised revenue collection as a major achievement. He specifically mentioned chasing out a operator known as Chicotax, who had reportedly run such arrangements for several years. The chairman described the relationship with the state government as cordial and commended Governor Otti for supporting road infrastructure projects in the council area.