The Abia State Government has approved ₦1 million in financial assistance for each of 130 eligible Abians who returned from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, as part of efforts to help them rebuild their lives and regain economic stability.
The government has also approved ₦2 million for each family of deceased victims and plans to evacuate 100 Abians still stranded in South Africa, including providing transportation to their respective destinations in Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced the measures while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Umuahia.
He said the government was working on a comprehensive, long-term reintegration programme to address the economic, livelihood and other social needs of the affected returnees.
According to Kanu, the financial assistance will not be restricted to those evacuated by the government, as Abians who paid for their return journeys independently will also qualify for the support.
He added that the initiative would complement the assistance previously extended to 31 returnees, noting that more than 160 people were expected to benefit from the emergency intervention within the next one or two months.
The commissioner said the 100 Abians still stranded in South Africa were expected to return home in November.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Poverty and Alleviation and Social Protection had coordinated the reception of 12 returnees in three groups, with support from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to reunite them with their families in different parts of the country.
Kanu said the state government remained committed to ensuring that the affected citizens received adequate assistance beyond their evacuation, particularly in rebuilding their livelihoods and achieving economic independence.
Ebola prevention
On public health, the commissioner said the government was intensifying preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease following consultations with federal authorities, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
He said the Ministries of Health and Information, alongside the Abia State Orientation Agency, would launch a public awareness campaign to educate residents on preventive measures against the disease.
Kanu urged residents to remain calm while observing appropriate hygiene practices and other precautionary measures.
“Ebola virus disease can be serious and even life-threatening, but can be prevented as well. Our people are advised not to panic, but observe good hygiene practices and, as much as possible, avoid large crowds at this time,” he said.
51 road projects ongoing
On infrastructure, Kanu disclosed that 51 road projects being executed through direct labour were ongoing across the state, while three had been completed. He also announced the addition of two projects to the Ministry of Works’ maintenance programme.
The completed projects include internal roads at the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta, commissioned by Governor Alex Otti on Monday; Green Avenues in Aba; and Road 4, Area 5, Agbama Housing Estate, Umuahia.
The two projects recently added to the maintenance programme are St. Vincent de Paul Road, Umuafai, in Umuahia North Local Government Area, and the 31.4-kilometre Obikabia–Isieketa Road, which cuts across Obingwa and Isiala Ngwa North and South local government areas.
The commissioner also disclosed that 24 roads were under contract across Abia, with construction work gathering pace following the gradual subsidence of the rainy season.
Among the completed projects, he highlighted the 12.6-kilometre Ohanze–Ntighauzor–Oberete–Umuohaoberte Akirikaobu Road, which connects communities in Obingwa and Isiala Ngwa South local government areas.
Two convictions in sexual violence cases
On efforts to protect vulnerable residents, Kanu said the Nchedo Sexual Referral Centre continued to provide support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
He disclosed that 17 cases were currently before the courts, while two convictions were secured in July.
According to him, the outcomes reflect the administration’s efforts to strengthen social protection, improve access to justice and ensure greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Abia to honour Ukiwe, Oluikpe
The commissioner further announced that the State Executive Council had approved receptions to celebrate two prominent indigenes of the state.
They are former military administrator and elder statesman, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd.), who marked his 86th birthday on Monday, October 26, 2026, and Professor Emeritus of Linguistics, Benson Oluikpe, who will celebrate his 90th birthday on Saturday, October 31, in Umuahia.
Kanu also disclosed that the state marked this year’s International Day of the Girl Child in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
He said the activities were organised around the United Nations theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights”.
He explained that the theme emphasised the importance of keeping girls in school, protecting them from violence and exploitation, and expanding their access to social services that would enable them to make informed decisions about their future.
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