The development programme of the Dr Omezie Ikpeazu-led government of Abia State has received a big boost as the African Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million facility for the state.

The fund which is approximately N40 billion would be committed to building of roads, sanitation and provision of water.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu made this known yesterday in Umuahia while receiving the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Christian Ministries, Pastor William Kumuyi, at Government House. He hinted that part of the money would be deployed to rehabilitating the dilapidated Aba - Port Harcourt Road which has remained impassable for years.

The governor also revealed that other roads, including Ohanku Road Aba, would equally receive attention.

News Express reports that on assumption of office, Ikpeazu launched the Aba Urban Renewal programme under which the commercial city would be transformed through massive renewal and provision of dilapidated infrastructure.

Under the programme, the governor has commenced road rehabilitation programmes involving reconstruction of seven urban roads and desilting of drainages in Aba.

Already, a Chinese firm, the China Geology Engineering Company has arrived Abia to explore areas the firm could collaborate with the Ikpeazu administration to realise the Aba Urban Renewal programme.

“In Abia State, we are mindful of the challenges that confront us. But big as they may seem, we are also confident that our God is bigger than whatever challenges there may be and that is the reason we are confident that victory is assured,” Ikpeazu said.

Responding to requests placed on his table by his visitors, Ikpeazu promised to provide the church with a piece of land in the state to build their university

as well as construct a 5km access road to the school.

He expressed belief that God would use Kumuyi’s visit to turn things around in Abia, describing him as the father of Pentecostal movement in Nigeria.

Pastor Kumuyi said he was in the state for the annual Gospel Crusade of the ministry and used the forum to commend the Governor for the road construction efforts of his government in Aba, as well as for cutting his salary to ameliorate the plight of workers in the state and called on other politicians and even ministers to emulate him.

Also, the Abia State Overseer of Deeper Life, Pastor Damian Umeh, said the church would continue to pray for the governor and appealed to him to grade the Ohanku and Aba - Port Harcourt Road, the road leading to the ministry’s camp ground in Aba and also provide them with land for building their proposed university in the state.

•Photo shows Governor Ikpeazu welcoming Pastor Kumuyi to the Government House . . . yesterday in Umuahia.