Otti Unveils Week-Long Anniversary Programme, To Commission Projects, Flag Off New Ones

Abia State Government has unveiled a week-long programme of activities to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state, with Governor Alex Otti billed to commission completed projects and flag off new ones as part of the celebrations.

The anniversary programme, which begins on Sunday, August 23, and culminates on Thursday, August 27, the exact date Abia was created in 1991, will also feature an interdenominational thanksgiving service, technology exhibition, arts and pictures exhibition, keynote lecture and a state broadcast by the governor.

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.

According to Prince Kanu, the anniversary celebration would commence on Sunday, August 23, with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the event Center near Michael Okpara roundabout in Umuahia.

The commissioner revealed that Governor Otti would, on Tuesday, August 25, commission some completed projects and flag off new ones as part of activities marking the anniversary.

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

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

“On Wednesday, the 26th of August, the state government will celebrate a huge innovation day as the Hackerton Tech Exhibition, the Arts and Pictures Exhibition.

“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”.

The commissioner said 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 35th anniversary marks 35 years since Abia was carved out of the old Imo State on August 27, 1991, by the then military administration of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.

Prince Kanu noted that Babangida, who created the state, turned 85 today and disclosed that Governor Otti had earlier issued a birthday message congratulating the former military president.

He added that the Abia State Executive Council had also collectively congratulated Babangida, commending his foresight in creating Abia and praying for more years of good health and sound mind for him.

On social protection, Prince Kanu announced that Governor Otti had approved N1 million each for 31 verified Abia returnees from South Africa as an interim support measure to assist them in resettling.

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

He added that the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection has been directed by the Governor to investigate whether other Abians are stranded in South Africa.

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