Abia Government Expands Financial Support For Vulnerable Residents

Abia Government Expands Financial Support for Vulnerable Residents The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable residents through expanded financial interventions, humanitarian assistance and social protection programmes aimed at improving the welfare of disadvantaged groups across the state. The State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this after the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia, stating that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection has continued to implement the state’s social protection framework by identifying, assessing and coordinating urgent medical and humanitarian support for vulnerable citizens. Kanu revealed that Governor Alex Otti recently approved ₦48.48 million in assistance for 19 vulnerable persons, covering life-saving medical treatment and housing support. He added that between January and August 2026, the government approved and disbursed ₦1.2 billion to support 81 beneficiaries, providing medical interventions, housing assistance for persons with disabilities, emergency relief for disaster victims and educational support for indigent students. According to the commissioner, the ministry also carries out routine monitoring of beneficiaries to ensure government funds are properly utilised. As part of the oversight process, ₦20.9 million in unused intervention funds was recovered and returned to the state’s treasury before being redirected to assist other beneficiaries in need. Kanu further announced that Governor Otti has approved the payment of ₦450 million as counterpart funding for the World Bank Women Empowerment Programme, a move expected to expand participation by increasing affinity groups in the state from 3,000 to 6,000 across six local government areas, thereby providing more women with access to economic empowerment opportunities. He also disclosed that the state would commemorate the 2026 Widows Day and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with programmes designed to promote social inclusion and economic empowerment. As part of the Widows Day activities, more than 600 indigent widows are expected to receive business support grants to strengthen household resilience and improve their livelihoods. On efforts to combat gender-based violence, the commissioner said the state’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre handled 11 cases between July and August 2026, providing survivors with medical, psychosocial, legal and referral services. He added that six suspects had been arrested while four others are currently facing prosecution, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring justice for victims.