Abia Govt approves N1m each for 130 Xenophobic attacks returnees, N2m for families of deceased victim

The Abia State Government has approved financial assistance of ₦1 million each for 130 eligible returnees affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa and ₦2 million for each family of deceased victims, as part of measures to support their reintegration and economic recovery.

The approval also covers the screening and evacuation of 100 stranded Abians from South Africa, including transportation to their respective destinations upon arrival in Nigeria.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Prince Kanu explained that the ₦1 million assistance would also be extended to returnees who funded their journeys back to Nigeria themselves, in addition to the support earlier provided to 31 returnees.

He said more than 160 returnees were expected to benefit from the emergency financial assistance within the next one or two months, adding that the 100 stranded Abians were expected to return to Nigeria in November, with the specific date to be announced later.

The commissioner stressed that the state government was committed to ensuring that the returnees were not only evacuated safely but also given the necessary support to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

“In line with the Governor’s directives, the Ministry is developing a long-term reintegration plan that will address the livelihoods, economic empowerment and other identified needs of these returnees,” Prince Kanu stated.

Prince Kanu added that the Ministry of Poverty and Alleviation and Social Protection had coordinated the reception of 12 returnees in three groups including assistance by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to facilitated their reunion with their families in different locations.

On public health, Prince Kanu said the state government was strengthening preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease following consultations at the federal level involving the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.

He announced that the Ministries of Health and Information, alongside the Abia State Orientation Agency, would embark on a joint public awareness campaign to educate residents on preventive 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,” Prince Kanu said.

On infrastructure, the commissioner disclosed that 51 direct-labour road projects were ongoing across the state, with three completed and two new projects added to the Ministry of Works’ maintenance programme.

The completed projects include internal roads at the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta, which Governor Otti commissioned on Monday; Green Avenues in Aba; and Road 4, Area 5, Agbama Housing Estate, Umuahia.

The two new projects are St. Vincent de Paul Road, Umuafai, in Umuahia North Local Government Area, and the maintenance of the 31.4-kilometre Obikabia–Isieketa Road, which traverses Obingwa and Isiala Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas.

Prince Kanu further disclosed that 24 roads were currently under contract across the state, with construction activities gaining momentum as the rainy season subsided.

He identified the completed 12.6-kilometre Ohanze–Ntighauzor–Oberete–Umuohaoberte Akirikaobu Road, linking Obingwa and Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Areas, as one of the projects delivered under the programme.

On the protection of vulnerable persons, Prince Kanu said the Nchedo Sexual Referral Centre continued to provide support to survivors of gender-based and sexual violence, while 17 cases were currently before the courts.

He disclosed that two convictions were secured in July, describing the development as evidence of the administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, improving access to justice and strengthening social protection.

The commissioner also announced that the State Executive Council had celebrated former military administrator and elder statesman, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd.), on his 86th birthday, which fell on Monday, October 26, 2026.

He said Governor Otti had approved a reception in Ukiwe’s honour upon his return to Nigeria.

Similarly, the governor directed that a reception be organised for Professor Emeritus of Linguistics, Benson Oluikpe, to mark his 90th birthday on Saturday, October 31, in Umuahia.

Prince Kanu said the planned celebrations reflected the governor’s commitment to recognising Abia indigenes who had distinguished themselves through service to the state and humanity.

On the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, Prince Kanu announced that Abia State would commemorate the occasion on Tuesday, October 27, in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor and the Ministry of Women Affairs.

The event, scheduled to hold at the Britach Event Centre, opposite the Abia State House of Assembly, would focus on the United Nations theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”

He said the theme highlighted the need to keep girls in school, protect them from violence and exploitation, and ensure access to social services that would enable them to make informed decisions about their future.

The commissioner urged residents to support government initiatives aimed at promoting public health, protecting vulnerable citizens, improving infrastructure and empowering young people, particularly girls.

Present at the briefing were the Commissioner for Poverty and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma.