Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has approved the immediate disbursement of N1 million each to 31 verified Abia indigenes who recently returned from South Africa.
The intervention amounts to N31 million and is intended as immediate relief and interim support for the returnees as the state government undertakes a comprehensive assessment of their individual circumstances.
The approval was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, on Saturday.
According to the statement, the intervention is also aimed at reassuring the returnees that the Abia State Government has not abandoned them in their moment of need.
It said comprehensive profiling of each of the 31 returnees was currently underway to assess their individual circumstances and socio-economic realities.
The exercise, the statement added, would enable the government to design appropriate interventions for sustainable reintegration and social protection tailored to the specific needs of the returnees.
The statement said the governor’s gesture underscores his compassion and commitment to the welfare of vulnerable persons in communities across Abia State and beyond.
It added that the intervention reflects the present administration’s resolve to ensure that every Abian, regardless of circumstance, was given an opportunity to recover, rebuild and contribute meaningfully to society.
“Since assumption of office, Governor Otti has prioritized policies and programmes that protect the dignity and wellbeing of citizens, especially those facing hardship”, the statement said.
The government also reiterated that Abia remained home to all its sons and daughters, regardless of where they lived or the circumstances surrounding their return.
“The Government of Abia State under His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, reiterates that Abia remains home to all its sons and daughters.
