By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has announced plans to host a high-level South-East Security Summit on Thursday, July 30, 2026, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen regional security and promote lasting peace across the South-East.
The summit, themed “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” will take place at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, and is expected to bring together top government officials, security experts, and key stakeholders from across the region.
The announcement was made by the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists on the resolutions reached during this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Prince Kanu, the summit will be attended by the governors of the five South-East states, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio expected as the Special Guest of Honour. Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd), will deliver the keynote address, while Governor Alex Otti will serve as the host.
He explained that the summit reflects the collective commitment of South-East governors to deepen regional cooperation in tackling security challenges through dialogue, intelligence sharing, and coordinated action.
The Commissioner also announced that Abia State will commemorate the 60th memorial anniversary of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Activities lined up for the memorial include a wreath-laying ceremony at the late military leader’s tomb at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Conference Centre, followed by a reception featuring tributes and goodwill messages at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to attend the event as the Special Guest of Honour, while former President Olusegun Obasanjo will participate as the Guest of Honour. Governor Alex Otti will serve as the Chief Host, with the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, presiding as the Father of the Day.
Prince Kanu further disclosed that Governor Otti will officially hand over the newly completed Nigerian Air Force Administrative Complex in Umuahia to the Nigerian Air Force on Friday, July 31, 2026.
The ceremony is expected to attract the Minister of Defence, the Chief of the Air Staff, senior military officers, and other dignitaries, highlighting the state’s growing partnership with the nation’s security agencies.
Providing updates on the health sector, the Commissioner revealed that the State Executive Council reviewed the Ministry of Health’s annual performance assessment and commended the significant improvements recorded in healthcare delivery across Abia State.
Among the major achievements highlighted were the expansion of fully equipped and adequately staffed primary healthcare centres, improvements in secondary healthcare facilities, and the ongoing renovation and upgrade of health infrastructure across the state.
Prince Kanu also disclosed that enrollment under the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme has increased to approximately 233,000 beneficiaries, reflecting growing public confidence in the state’s healthcare reforms and commitment to expanding access to quality and affordable medical services.
He noted that the continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and health insurance coverage aligns with the Otti administration’s vision of building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of all residents.
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The latest developments underscore the Abia State Government’s focus on strengthening security, preserving national history, supporting the armed forces, and expanding access to quality healthcare as part of its broader development agenda.
