Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has approved the immediate release of N1 million each to 31 verified indigenes of the state who recently returned from South Africa following xenophobic attacks.
The N31 million intervention is intended as immediate relief for the returnees while the state government works on longer-term measures to support their reintegration.
According to a statement, the financial assistance is also aimed at assuring the returnees that the Abia State Government has not abandoned them during their current difficulties.
The government said it is currently carrying out detailed profiling of the returnees to understand their individual circumstances and socio-economic conditions.
The exercise, it explained, would help the government develop appropriate interventions for their sustainable reintegration and ensure that they have access to relevant social protection programmes based on their specific needs.
The statement described the intervention as a reflection of Otti’s concern for vulnerable people in Abia and his commitment to ensuring that residents are given the opportunity to recover, rebuild their lives and contribute to society.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s focus on policies aimed at improving the welfare and security of residents, while promoting an environment capable of attracting investment and supporting economic growth.
Otti spoke when the newly reconstituted Board of the Enyimba Economic City Development Company, led by its Chairman, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, visited him at the Government House.
The governor congratulated Ohuabunwa on his appointment and expressed confidence that the board, which brings together professionals with experience across different fields, would play a significant role in advancing the development of Abia State.
Speaking earlier, Ohuabunwa praised Otti’s leadership and the work carried out by his administration over the past three years.
“Since you came, we can all proudly walk around and say we have somebody who is showing the light of what governance is all about. Especially when we talk about democratic dividends,” he said.
Ohuabunwa described the Enyimba Economic City as a “pan-Igbo project” and said the delegation was at the Government House to identify areas where the company could work with the Abia State Government under Otti’s leadership.
He also assured the governor of the board’s individual and collective support towards the success of his administration.
Among those who accompanied Ohuabunwa on the visit were Professor Barth Nnaji, Professor Osita Ogbu, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, Major-General Obi Abel Umahi (Rtd), and Chief Onyeuku Chidi Ajaegbu, among others.