Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved ₦1 million each as emergency financial assistance for 130 Abia indigenes who returned from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, alongside ₦2 million each for families of Abians who lost their lives during the attacks.
The State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Otti.
Kanu, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, explained that the intervention was part of the administration’s efforts to support affected citizens and facilitate their reintegration into society.
According to him, the latest approval will complement the earlier financial assistance provided to 31 returnees who received ₦1 million each, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 160.
He explained that the approved intervention also covers the screening and evacuation of stranded Abia indigenes from South Africa, transportation to their respective destinations upon arrival in Nigeria, and financial support for eligible returnees, including those who personally financed their return.
Kanu disclosed that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection has so far received 12 returnees in three batches, including those assisted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and facilitated their reunion with their families.
He added that the ministry, acting on the Governor’s directive, is developing a comprehensive reintegration programme aimed at addressing livelihood challenges, economic empowerment and other resettlement needs of the affected individuals.
Speaking on sexual and gender-based violence, the Commissioner revealed that the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre has continued to provide support services to survivors, with 17 cases currently pending before the courts.
He further disclosed that two convictions were secured in July, describing the development as evidence of the Otti administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and strengthening access to justice.
Meanwhile, the Abia State Government has announced preventive measures aimed at protecting residents against the possible spread of Ebola Virus Disease following reports of a confirmed index case in Nigeria.
Kanu said the State Ministry of Health had activated necessary preventive protocols and outlined precautionary measures in its Week 43 Health Advisory.
He disclosed that the Ministries of Health and Information recently participated in a meeting convened by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, where state governments were briefed on federal efforts to contain and manage the reported outbreak.
The Commissioner urged residents to remain calm, maintain proper hygiene and avoid large gatherings as a precautionary measure.
He also announced that the Ministries of Health and Information, in collaboration with the Abia State Orientation Agency, would embark on a statewide public sensitisation campaign to educate residents on Ebola prevention and responsible health practices.
Kanu reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and welfare of residents through proactive interventions, public enlightenment and effective social protection programmes.
