Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced plans to raise the retirement age for nurses in the state from 60 to 65 years.
This decision is part of the government’s broader strategy to overhaul the health sector, which is a top priority for his administration.
Governor Otti shared this development during his monthly press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia on Friday night.
He highlighted that this move follows a similar extension for teachers, whose retirement age was recently increased to 65 years.
In addition to the retirement age adjustment, the governor revealed that the state government is in the final stages of establishing a state-of-the-art medical city.
A committee has been formed to oversee the project, and a location has already been identified. The government plans to collaborate with two international medical missions, Extended Hands and Lifted Hands, to bring this project to fruition.
“We are fully committed to this initiative, which will stand as one of our signature achievements,” Governor Otti stated. “Our goal is to transform Abia into a hub for medical tourism.”
The governor also emphasized that his administration has been managing the state’s finances prudently, operating without the need to borrow funds so far.
He mentioned that while the state has received several attractive loan offers, they will only consider accessing them when necessary.
“We are exploring opportunities with the African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank Group.
The terms are favorable, and we believe we will utilize these resources when the time is right,” Otti added. “Overall, the state is in good financial health, but we remain focused on our goals.”
Governor Otti also touched on the progress made in other sectors, particularly agriculture.
He noted that the government had successfully reclaimed palm, rubber, cocoa, and other plantations that had been previously handed over to private individuals by past administrations.
In his closing remarks, the governor expressed his gratitude to the people of Abia for their continued support and urged them to maintain their commitment to building a better Abia.
