By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has dismissed reports of alleged increases in taxes in the state while announcing fresh measures to support Abians returning from South Africa.
The developments were disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, on Monday, August 17, 2026, during a briefing at Government House, Umuahia, following the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
The briefing also featured details of activities lined up to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the creation of Abia State, including project commissioning, the flag-off of new projects and a Youth Innovation Day.
According to Kanu, the anniversary activities will commence on Sunday, August 23, with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Trade More Event Centre, located within the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal premises in Umuahia.
He said Tuesday, August 25, would feature the commissioning of completed projects and the flag-off of new ones by Governor Otti.
Wednesday, August 26, has been designated as Youth Innovation Day. The programme will feature a hackathon and technology exhibition aimed at highlighting creativity, innovation and the potential of young Abians.
The anniversary celebrations will reach their climax on Thursday, August 27, the official anniversary of Abia State’s creation.
Kanu explained that the day would begin with a state broadcast by Governor Otti, followed later by an anniversary keynote lecture.
The lecture is expected to examine Abia’s development journey from 1991, when the state was created by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, to the present day.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the State Executive Council joined Governor Otti in celebrating the 85th birthday of former military administrator, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who clocked 85 on August 17, 2026. He said the Governor had earlier congratulated the former military leader in a birthday message.
Meanwhile, the state government has announced additional intervention measures for Abians who have returned from South Africa.
Kanu revealed that Governor Otti had directed the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection to establish whether more Abians remain stranded in South Africa and determine how the government can assist them.
The directive follows the recent empowerment of 31 verified returnees from South Africa, who received N1 million each as interim financial support to help them begin the process of rebuilding their lives after returning home.
The Commissioner described the intervention as part of the administration’s efforts to provide compassionate support to citizens facing difficult circumstances.
Beyond the immediate financial assistance, the government is conducting a comprehensive profiling exercise to identify the specific needs, skills and circumstances of the returnees. The information gathered is expected to guide the development of appropriate programmes aimed at their successful reintegration into Abia State.
The government said the broader objective is to ensure that affected returnees are not left without support as they seek to restart their economic and social lives in the state.
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The briefing was attended by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, and the State Director of Information, Lady Chika Orji-Nwoke.
