The Abia State Government says it has disbursed more than ₦1.2 billion between January and August 2026 to support vulnerable residents across the state through medical assistance, housing support, educational intervention and emergency relief programmes.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti at the Government House in Umuahia.
He stated that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection has continued to implement the state’s social protection framework by identifying and supporting vulnerable citizens requiring urgent assistance.
Kanu revealed that Governor Otti recently approved ₦384.7 million for 19 vulnerable beneficiaries to cover life-saving medical treatment, emergency housing, rehabilitation and educational support.
He disclosed that the administration remains committed to compassionate governance, noting that the ministry’s routine monitoring also led to the recovery and return of ₦20.9 million in unused funds from two beneficiaries.
He further announced that more than 600 indigent widows would receive business support grants during the 2026 Widows’ Day celebration scheduled for August 4 in Umuahia.
According to him, the programme, themed “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows,” is aimed at promoting economic inclusion, strengthening household resilience and advancing the state’s social protection objectives.
The commissioner also said the state would mark the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on August 5 with programmes focused on preventing abuse of older persons. On gender-based violence, he disclosed that the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre handled 11 cases between July and August, with six suspects arrested and four prosecuted after survivors received medical, psychosocial and legal support.
On women empowerment, Kanu said Abia has expanded the Nigeria for Women Programme, a World Bank-assisted initiative, from three to nine participating local government areas after the state paid its ₦450 million counterpart fund. He added that the number of women’s affinity groups has doubled from 3,000 to 6,000, urging eligible women to take advantage of the programme.
Speaking on infrastructure, the commissioner said the Ministry of Works carried out maintenance interventions at 46 locations across the state, including the desilting of major roads and drainage channels in Umuahia to reduce flooding during the rainy season.
He added that the government had also constituted a burial committee to honour the late Dr. Mrs. Uzomaka Kelechi Nwaubani, who died during a medical outreach in April, with a service of songs scheduled for August 5 and funeral service on August 7 in Umuahia.