Otti releases N31m for Abia returnees from South Africa

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved the immediate payment of N1m each to 31 verified indigenes of the state who recently returned from South Africa.

The approval was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.

According to the statement, the funds are intended as immediate relief and interim support for the returnees, while assuring them that the state government would support their reintegration.

The government said it had commenced comprehensive profiling of the beneficiaries to assess their individual circumstances and socio-economic needs.

It explained that the exercise would enable the state to develop appropriate interventions aimed at supporting their sustainable reintegration and providing social protection tailored to their needs.

The statement said the gesture reflected Otti’s commitment to the welfare of vulnerable residents and his administration’s resolve to ensure that Abia indigenes facing hardship receive support.

The government further assured the returnees that Abia remained home to all its sons and daughters, regardless of their circumstances or location.

It added that the state would continue to implement policies and programmes aimed at protecting the dignity and wellbeing of residents, particularly those experiencing hardship.