Abia Govt Unveils Week-long programme for 35th Anniversary, Empowers 31 Returnees from South Africa

_Otti to commission projects, hold youth innovation day and anniversary lecture_

UMUAHIA, Abia State – The Abia State Government has unveiled a week-long programme of activities to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state, featuring the commissioning and flag-off of projects, youth innovation events, and an anniversary lecture.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, announced this on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

According to the Commissioner, the anniversary programme will begin on Sunday, August 23, with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Trade More Event Centre, within the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal premises, Umuahia.

He disclosed that on Tuesday, August 25, the Governor would commission some completed projects and flag off new ones.

Wednesday, August 26, has been dedicated to a Youth Innovation Day, featuring a hackathon and technology exhibition.

The events will climax on Thursday, August 27, the actual day Abia State was created.

“Finally, on Thursday, the 27th of August, the very day the state was created, the Governor will make a state broadcast in the morning. Later that morning, there will be an anniversary keynote lecture,” Kanu stated.

He noted that the lecture would provide an opportunity for the keynote speaker and discussants to examine Abia’s development trajectory from 1991, when the state was created by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, till date.

The Commissioner also informed that the EXCO joined in marking the 85th birthday of General Babangida, who turned 85 on August 17, 2026. He disclosed that Governor Otti had earlier issued a birthday message congratulating the former military administrator.

Prince Kanu announced that the Governor has directed the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection to investigate whether other Abians are still stranded in South Africa, with a view to assisting them.

This comes after the state government, over the weekend, empowered 31 verified Abia returnees from South Africa with N1 million each as an interim support measure to assist them in resettling.

He added that the state government was also carrying out a comprehensive profiling exercise to determine the specific needs of the returnees and develop appropriate programmes for their integration in the state.