The Abia State Government has approved financial assistance of ₦1 million each for 130 eligible returnees affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa, alongside ₦2 million for each family of deceased victims. The initiative is aimed at supporting affected residents as they rebuild their lives and restore their livelihoods.
The approval also includes plans to screen and evacuate 100 Abians reportedly stranded in South Africa, with transportation arrangements to convey them to their respective destinations after arriving in Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed these measures on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Abia Government Expands Financial Support for Returnees
According to Kanu, the ₦1 million support package will also cover eligible returnees who independently financed their journeys back to Nigeria. This is in addition to assistance previously provided to 31 returnees.
The commissioner projected that more than 160 returnees could benefit from the emergency financial support within the next one to two months. He added that arrangements were underway for the 100 stranded Abians to return home in November, with the specific date to be announced later.
Kanu emphasised that the government’s intervention goes beyond evacuation, explaining that efforts are being made to help the affected individuals achieve economic stability and successfully reintegrate into their communities.
“In line with the Governor’s directives, the Ministry is developing a long-term reintegration plan that will address the livelihoods, economic empowerment and other identified needs of these returnees,” he stated.
He further revealed that the Ministry of Poverty and Social Protection had coordinated the reception of 12 returnees in three groups. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) also provided assistance to facilitate their reunification with family members in different locations.
Abia Strengthens Ebola Prevention and Public Awareness
On public health, Kanu said the state government was intensifying preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease following consultations at the federal level involving the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
He announced that the Ministries of Health and Information, working alongside the Abia State Orientation Agency, would conduct a joint public awareness campaign to educate residents on Ebola prevention.
The commissioner urged residents to remain calm while observing proper hygiene and following relevant public health guidance.
He stressed that although Ebola can be a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, preventive measures and public awareness remain essential in reducing the risk of infection.
51 Road Projects Underway Across Abia State
Providing an update on infrastructure development, Kanu disclosed that 51 direct-labour road projects were ongoing across the state. He also reported that three projects had been completed, while two additional roads had been introduced into the Ministry of Works’ maintenance programme.
Among the completed projects are internal roads at the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta, commissioned by Governor Otti on Monday; Green Avenues in Aba; and Road 4, Area 5, Agbama Housing Estate, Umuahia.
The two newly added projects are St. Vincent de Paul Road, Umuafai, in Umuahia North Local Government Area, and the maintenance of the 31.4-kilometre Obikabia–Isieketa Road, which traverses Obingwa and Isiala Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas.
Kanu also disclosed that 24 roads were under contract across Abia, with construction activities gaining momentum as the rainy season subsided.
He highlighted the completed 12.6-kilometre Ohanze–Ntighauzor–Oberete–Umuohaoberte Akirikaobu Road, which connects communities in Obingwa and Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Areas, as one of the projects delivered under the programme.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Vulnerable Residents
The commissioner also provided an update on the state’s efforts to protect survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
He said the Nchedo Sexual Referral Centre continued to offer support to survivors, while 17 cases were currently before the courts.
According to him, two convictions were secured in July, demonstrating progress in the state’s efforts to strengthen access to justice, protect vulnerable persons and improve social protection services.
Abia to Honour Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe and Professor Benson Oluikpe
Kanu announced that the State Executive Council had celebrated former military administrator and elder statesman, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd.), on his 86th birthday, which fell on October 26, 2026.
He disclosed that Governor Otti had approved a reception in Ukiwe’s honour upon his return to Nigeria.
Similarly, the governor directed that a reception be organised for Professor Emeritus of Linguistics, Benson Oluikpe, to mark his 90th birthday on Saturday, October 31, in Umuahia.
Kanu said the planned celebrations reflected the administration’s commitment to recognising distinguished Abia indigenes whose contributions to public service, scholarship and humanity have earned them recognition.
Abia Marks International Day of the Girl Child
The commissioner further announced that Abia State would commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child on Tuesday, October 27, in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
The event was scheduled to take place at the Britach Event Centre, opposite the Abia State House of Assembly, under the United Nations theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
According to Kanu, the theme underscores the importance of keeping girls in school, protecting them from violence and exploitation, and expanding their access to essential social services that support informed decisions about their futures.
He encouraged residents to support government programmes focused on public health, infrastructure development, social protection and youth empowerment, particularly initiatives that promote the rights and opportunities of girls.
The briefing was attended by the Commissioner for Poverty and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma.
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The measures announced reflect the Abia State Government’s stated priorities of supporting vulnerable citizens, facilitating the safe return and reintegration of affected residents, improving public infrastructure and strengthening social welfare programmes across the state.
