From TCNEWS
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA), Mrs. Victoria Dibunma Onwubiko, has called on the public to report defective billboards promptly, assuring that swift action will be taken to prevent further tragedies.
Speaking during a live broadcast on the State owned Radio’s flagship public affairs programme “Good Governance”, Onwubiko announced that the agency will commence an aggressive state-wide inspection of billboards . This follows a recent fatal incident involving a collapsed billboard in Aba that claimed one life and injured eight others.
“We are taking this issue seriously. The safety of our people is paramount,” Onwubiko said, emphasizing that faulty structures pose a significant risk, especially during the rainy season.
The tragedy occurred on Station Road near Factory Road in Aba, when a uni-pole billboard collapsed during heavy rainfall and strong winds, according to Onwubiko. Contrary to misinformation circulating on social media, she clarified that only one person died in the incident, while eight others are currently receiving treatment at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba.
“Their conditions are stable, and they are responding well to treatment. We expect them to be discharged soon,” she told listeners.
In a show of support, the Abia State Government has pledged to cover all medical expenses of the victims and pay the burial costs for the deceased. This was confirmed through an official statement issued by Nwaogwugwu Augustine, the Public Relations Officer of ABSSAA.
Onwubiko further revealed that the collapsed billboard had been erected over five years ago, before the current administration took office, indicating that regulatory reforms under her leadership have improved safety compliance.
This incident underscores growing concerns over infrastructure safety and the need for rigorous enforcement of signage regulations, especially in urban centers vulnerable to extreme weather. ABSSAA’s planned inspections and public engagement are part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety and restore confidence in government oversight mechanisms.
Since assuming leadership at ABSSAA, Mrs. Onwubiko stated that no billboard has been erected without adhering to established standards and approval procedures. She noted that ongoing monitoring and evaluation efforts are yielding results, but stressed that public cooperation is vital.
“We urge residents to report any structure that appears dangerous or unstable. Together, we can prevent further loss of life,” she said.
During the programme, Mrs. Onwubiko also commended Governor Dr. Alex Otti for his administration’s proactive infrastructure policies and governance approach. She described his two years in office as “transformative and impactful,” highlighting visible improvements across the state.
