Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced plans to raise the retirement age for nurses from 60 to 65 years during his monthly session with journalists at the Government House in Umuahia.
Otti emphasized that the government will continue to improve the health sector which is a key focus of his administration. He also noted that the retirement age for teachers had already been increased from 60 to 65 years.
Additionally, Otti revealed that the government will establish a modern medical city, with a committee already formed and a site selected for the project.
The government plans to partner with two international medical organizations, Extended Hands and Lifted Hands, to facilitate this initiative.
He stated, “We are committing everything to it because it is going to be one of our signature projects. The whole idea is to reverse medical tourists into Abia.”
In other remarks, Otti highlighted that his administration has managed to operate without incurring debt. He mentioned several tempting offers for financial support, indicating that the government is exploring opportunities with the African Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank Group, which offer favorable terms.
Otti described the state’s financial health as stable and reiterated the administration's focus on various sectors, including agriculture.
He reported successful recovery of palm, rubber, cocoa, and other plantations previously leased to private entities.
