The Abia State Government has approved the disbursement of over ₦1.2 billion between January and August 2026 to support vulnerable residents through life-saving medical interventions, housing assistance for persons living with disabilities, emergency accommodation for disaster victims, and educational support for indigent students.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti at the Government House, Umuahia.
Kanu said the government also approved ₦384.7 million for 19 beneficiaries to fund critical medical treatments, rehabilitation, emergency housing, and educational assistance. He noted that routine monitoring by the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection led to the recovery of ₦20.9 million in unutilised intervention funds from two beneficiaries, one of whom passed away before accessing the funds, while the other had already settled medical expenses before the government intervention was released.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to compassionate governance, Kanu said Governor Otti remains committed to providing timely humanitarian support to vulnerable citizens requiring urgent medical and social assistance.
He announced that this year’s Widows Day celebration would focus on empowering vulnerable widows through direct economic support to promote dignity, inclusion and financial independence. The state will also mark the 2026 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on August 5 with the theme, “Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work.”
On the fight against gender-based violence, Kanu disclosed that the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre recorded 11 cases between July and August 2026. He said all survivors received medical, psychosocial, legal and referral services, while six suspects were arrested and four prosecuted, reaffirming the government’s resolve to ensure justice for survivors.
The commissioner further revealed that the state has expanded participation in the Nigeria for Women Programme (NFWP), a World Bank-supported initiative, following Governor Otti’s approval and payment of the state’s ₦450 million counterpart fund. He said the programme now covers additional local government areas, while the number of women’s affinity groups has increased from 3,000 to 6,000.
On infrastructure, Kanu said the Ministry of Works carried out direct labour interventions at 46 locations across the state, with one project already completed. He added that desilting of major roads and drainage channels in Umuahia has been completed to reduce flooding during the rainy season, while additional road maintenance projects, including the Akpa-Mbato Road in Obingwa Local Government Area, have been added to the ministry’s maintenance programme.
Also present at the briefing were the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa; the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma.
