From Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has disclosed that it spent N1.2 billion between January and August 2026 on medical interventions and social protection programmes targeted at vulnerable residents across the state.
The government also recovered and returned N20.9 million in unutilised funds to the state treasury following routine monitoring and post-intervention assessments of the programmes.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made the disclosure while briefing journalists on the decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Kanu, about 81 vulnerable groups benefited from various interventions implemented through the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection under the state’s social protection framework.
He explained that the interventions were designed to address urgent humanitarian and welfare needs, including life-saving medical treatment, housing assistance for persons living with disabilities, emergency accommodation for disaster victims and educational support for indigent students.
The commissioner said the ministry had continued to identify and assess residents facing critical challenges before coordinating appropriate assistance.
He noted that the administration of Governor Alex Otti had consistently approved intervention requests involving vulnerable citizens as part of its commitment to responsive and compassionate governance.
Kanu further explained that government officials carried out regular monitoring and assessments after funds were released to ensure that public resources were used for their intended purposes.
The monitoring process, he said, resulted in the recovery and refund of N20.9 million that was not utilised, with the money subsequently returned to the state treasury.
On efforts to address sexual and gender-based violence, the commissioner disclosed that the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Aba recorded 11 cases during the period under review.
He said survivors were provided with medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance and referral services. Six suspects were also arrested in connection with the reported cases, while four had been prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the Abia Government has continued to expand its participation in the Nigeria for Women Project, a World Bank-supported programme focused on improving women’s livelihoods and strengthening their economic independence.
Kanu disclosed that Governor Otti had approved and paid N450 million as the state’s counterpart contribution to support the expansion of the programme.
The commissioner said the initiative, initially implemented in Ohafia, Isiala Ngwa North and Obingwa Local Government Areas, has now been extended to Isiala Ngwa South, Ugwunagbo, Arochukwu, Bende, Ikwuano and Ukwa West.
With the expansion, the number of participating women’s affinity groups is expected to increase from 3,000 to 6,000.
Kanu urged eligible women in the newly included local government areas to register with the State Project Implementation Unit to access the programme’s economic empowerment opportunities.
On infrastructure development, the commissioner said the Ministry of Works had completed direct-labour projects at 46 locations across Abia State.
He disclosed that desilting operations had been completed along IBB Way, Ahieke Road, Finbarrs Road, Road 8 and Obowo Street by Ibeku Road in Umuahia.
The drainage intervention, he explained, was aimed at improving water flow and reducing the risk of flooding during the rainy season.
Kanu added that 26 road projects were still under contract across the state. Although persistent rainfall had affected construction activities at some locations, he said work was expected to accelerate once weather conditions improved.
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The latest disclosures highlight the Abia State Government’s continued focus on social protection, healthcare assistance, women’s economic empowerment and infrastructure development, alongside efforts to strengthen accountability in the management of public funds.
