Abia Marks 35th Anniversary With Week-Long Celebration, Project Commissioning

ABIA – The Abia State Government has announced a week-long programme of activities to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state, featuring the commissioning of completed projects and the flag-off of new ones by Governor Alex Otti across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Otti.

Prince Kanu said the anniversary programme, which begins on Sunday, August 23, and ends on Thursday, August 27, will feature an interdenominational thanksgiving service, technology exhibition, arts and photography exhibition, keynote lecture and a state broadcast by the Governor.

He said the celebration would commence on Sunday, August 23, with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Event Centre near Michael Okpara Roundabout in Umuahia.

According to him, Governor Otti will, on Tuesday, August 25, commission some completed projects and flag off new ones as part of activities marking the anniversary.

The Commissioner further disclosed that Wednesday, August 26, has been designated as an innovation-focused day, featuring a hackathon, technology exhibition, as well as an arts and photography exhibition.

Prince Kanu said the celebrations would climax on Thursday, August 27, with a state broadcast by Governor Otti in the morning, followed by an anniversary keynote lecture.

He explained that the lecture would provide an opportunity for the keynote speaker and discussants to examine Abia’s development trajectory and offer perspectives on accelerating the state’s progress.

The Commissioner also disclosed that Governor Otti and the State Executive Council had earlier congratulated former President Ibrahim Babangida on his 85th birthday, commending his foresight in the creation of Abia State and praying for more years of good health and sound mind for him.

On social protection, Prince Kanu announced that Governor Otti had approved ₦1 million each for 31 verified Abia returnees from South Africa as an interim support measure to assist them in resettling.

He said the state government was also conducting a comprehensive profiling exercise to determine the specific needs of the returnees and develop appropriate programmes for their integration.

The Commissioner added that the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection had been directed by the Governor to investigate whether other Abians were stranded in South Africa and ensure that they receive immediate attention.