Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has unveiled a solar-powered electronic billboard in Umuahia, the state capital, as part of efforts to modernise outdoor advertising, improve public communication and promote the use of renewable energy.
The pilot project was officially opened for public use on Wednesday, with the state government indicating plans to replicate the facility in other strategic locations across Abia in the coming months.
Otti, who was represented at the unveiling by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, described the installation as part of his administration’s drive to introduce technological innovation and reposition Abia as a destination for business, investment and economic opportunities.
He said the initiative marked a shift from conventional outdoor advertising to more flexible digital platforms capable of supporting commercial activities and public information dissemination.
“This project goes beyond the installation of an electronic advertising screen. It represents a new chapter in the evolution of our outdoor advertising, public communication, and information dissemination in Abia State,” the governor said.
Otti noted that the state’s advertising industry had largely depended on traditional billboards and privately operated electronic advertising platforms, adding that changing communication and commercial needs made it necessary to adopt more innovative solutions.
He said the solar-powered facility was introduced through a collaboration between the Abia State Government and a private construction company, describing the adoption of clean energy as an important part of the state’s technological transition.
According to him, the digital billboard will serve purposes beyond commercial advertising, including government announcements, emergency alerts, public enlightenment campaigns and the dissemination of important information to residents and visitors.
“This is just the beginning. Beyond commercial advertising, this electronic billboard will also serve as an important channel for government communication, public enlightenment, emergency information, and dissemination of vital announcements to residents and visitors and strategically located,” he said.
The governor added that the pilot installation would provide a foundation for expanding digital advertising infrastructure across the state, noting that his administration was focused on developing systems that support economic activities and improve residents’ quality of life.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency, Godwin Adindu, said the project was executed in collaboration with the agency and would be extended to other strategic locations within the next few months.
Adindu explained that the initiative was designed to transition outdoor advertising in Abia from conventional billboards to electronic and digital advertising platforms, in line with the government’s emphasis on innovation and creativity.
The contractor, Temple Omeonu, described the installation as an LED digital advertising billboard powered by a solar energy system, adding that it would also contribute to improving the state’s urban appearance.
