RismadarVoice Reporters, August 16, 2026
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved a financial relief of N1 million each for 31 indigenes of the state who recently returned from South Africa.
The approval, according to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku, is intended to provide immediate support to the returnees and reassure them that the state government has not abandoned them.
The statement said the government was currently conducting a comprehensive profiling of the returnees to determine their individual circumstances and socio-economic needs.
The exercise, it added, would guide the government in designing appropriate interventions to support their sustainable reintegration and access to social protection programmes.
“The gesture underscores Governor Otti’s compassion and unwavering commitment to the welfare of vulnerable persons in communities across the state and beyond,” the statement said.
It added that the initiative reflected the administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Abian, regardless of circumstance, had an opportunity to recover, rebuild and contribute meaningfully to society.
According to the government, Otti has, since assuming office, prioritised policies and programmes aimed at protecting the dignity and wellbeing of residents, particularly those facing hardship.
The statement reaffirmed the state government’s position that Abia remains home to all its indigenes, regardless of where they reside or the circumstances surrounding their return.
“The Government of Abia State under His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, reiterates that Abia remains home to all its sons and daughters. It also assures that no Abian will be left behind, irrespective of their location or circumstance,” it said.
