By Ezechukwu Adimoha

The Abia State Government has set October 31, 2026, as the deadline for the verification and validation of original shop owners ahead of the second phase of the reconstruction of Ariaria International Market, Aba, as part of its ongoing market remodelling programme.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting. He also announced that the government was set to commence the reconstruction of other sections of the market following the completion of the A-Line section.

Kanu said the Ministry of Trade and Commerce had been directed to conclude the verification and validation exercise by October 31, ahead of the commencement of the second phase of the reconstruction.

He explained that the exercise was designed to ensure that the original shop owners were not denied access to the newly constructed shops, in keeping with Governor Alex Otti’s promise.

The commissioner, however, expressed concern over the slow pace of the verification and validation exercises, attributing the delay to the failure of some original shop owners to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the government.

In another development, Kanu announced that the 2026 Abia Mass Insecticide-Treated Net Campaign would be formally launched on October 16 at the JAAC Building Auditorium, Umuahia, at 11am.

He disclosed that approximately 3.3 million insecticide-treated nets were scheduled for distribution across the state as part of efforts to combat malaria.

According to him, the campaign is being implemented through a collaboration involving the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Elimination Programme and the Abia State Government.

The commissioner also announced that the state would commemorate the 2026 World Sight Day on October 15 at the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, Umuahia.

He explained that activities marking the event commenced on October 5 and included free eye screening, eye-health education and the unveiling of the Vision Corridor.

Kanu said the activities were designed around this year’s theme, “Safe Eyes, Safe Roads, Safe Lives,” with particular emphasis on drivers and road safety.