Abia State Announces 35th Anniversary Celebration Events

The Abia State Government has unveiled a week-long program to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the state's creation, as announced by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, on Monday at Government House, Umuahia. The celebration will commence on Sunday, August 23, with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Trade More Event Centre.

On Tuesday, August 25, Governor Alex Otti will commission completed projects and flag off new ones. Wednesday, August 26, is designated as Youth Innovation Day, featuring a hackathon and technology exhibition.

The anniversary will peak on Thursday, August 27, the actual creation date of Abia, with a state broadcast by Governor Otti followed by an anniversary keynote lecture. This lecture will discuss Abia's development since its creation in 1991 by General Ibrahim Babangida.

Additionally, Kanu noted that the EXCO marked the 85th birthday of General Babangida on August 17, 2026. The government is also investigating the status of Abians stranded in South Africa and has empowered 31 returnees with N1 million each for resettlement.