The Abia State Government has unveiled a week-long programme to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state, featuring project commissioning, new project flag-offs, a youth technology exhibition and an anniversary lecture.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti at Government House, Umuahia.
Kanu said the anniversary activities would begin on Sunday, August 23, with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Trade More Event Centre within the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal premises in Umuahia.
According to him, Tuesday, August 25, would feature the commissioning of completed projects and the flag-off of new projects across the state by Governor Otti.
The celebration will continue on Wednesday, August 26, with Youth Innovation Day, featuring a hackathon and technology exhibition designed to showcase innovative ideas and solutions developed by young Abians.
The activities will culminate on Thursday, August 27, marking the exact date Abia State was created in 1991 by the military administration of former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida.
Kanu said Governor Otti would deliver a state broadcast in the morning, followed by an anniversary keynote lecture examining Abia’s development journey since its creation.
Government Moves to Support Abia Returnees From South Africa
The commissioner also disclosed that Governor Otti had directed the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection to identify any other Abia indigenes who may still be stranded in South Africa and assess ways the state can assist them.
The directive followed the government’s recent intervention for 31 verified returnees from South Africa, with each person approved to receive ₦1 million as interim financial support.
Kanu said the assistance was intended to help the returnees begin the process of resettlement and economic recovery in the state.
He added that the government was also conducting a detailed profiling exercise to determine the individual needs of the returnees and develop appropriate long-term support programmes.
The briefing was attended by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, and the State Director of Information, Lady Chika Orji-Nwoke.
