Korede Abdullah 
ABIA, Nigeria – The Abia State Government says it has spent about ₦1.2 billion on healthcare, emergency housing and other support for vulnerable residents between January and August 2026, as part of efforts to cushion hardship among disadvantaged citizens.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Friday at the state’s post-Executive Council weekly media briefing.
Kanu said Governor Alex Otti had also approved ₦384.7 million for 19 vulnerable residents requiring medical interventions, emergency accommodation, rehabilitation and educational assistance.
“His Excellency has continued to demonstrate the compassionate disposition of his administration by approving support for vulnerable citizens requiring urgent medical, humanitarian and housing interventions,” Kanu said.
He disclosed that ₦20.9 million in unused funds was recovered from two beneficiaries. One beneficiary had died before the funds were used, while the medical bills of the other had already been settled.
On gender-based violence, Kanu said 11 cases were reported at the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre between July and August 2026.
He said survivors received medical, psychosocial and legal support, as well as referrals where necessary. Six suspects were arrested, while four were prosecuted.
Kanu assured residents that the government would continue to pursue justice for survivors of gender-based violence.
The commissioner also announced the expansion of the Nigeria for Women Programme from three to nine local government areas, increasing the number of women’s affinity groups from 3,000 to 6,000.
The six newly added local government areas are Isiala Ngwa South, Ugwunagbo, Arochukwu, Bende, Ikwuano and Ukwa West. They join Ohafia, Isiala Ngwa North and Obingwa, which were already participating in the programme.
According to Kanu, Governor Otti has approved and paid ₦450 million as the state’s counterpart contribution for the programme’s scale-up phase.
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Abah Felicity 
