Abia State Government says it has spent about N1.2 billion on support for vulnerable residents while expanding the Nigeria for Women Programme from three to nine local government areas.
Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu said the assistance covered urgent medical treatment, housing support for people living with disabilities, emergency accommodation for disaster victims and educational support for indigent students.
He said Governor Alex Otti recently approved N384.7 million for 19 vulnerable beneficiaries requiring medical, housing, rehabilitation and educational assistance.
The government said monitoring of the intervention led to the recovery of N20.9 million in unused funds from two cases where the money was no longer required.
Kanu also disclosed that 11 cases of sexual and gender based violence were reported to the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre between July and August 2026.
He said survivors received medical, legal, psychological and referral services, while six suspects were arrested and four prosecuted.
On the Nigeria for Women Programme, the state said it entered the expansion phase in November 2025 after paying a N450 million counterpart contribution.
The initiative now covers Isiala Ngwa South, Ugwunagbo, Arochukwu, Bende, Ikwuano and Ukwa West in addition to the original pilot areas of Ohafia, Isiala Ngwa North and Obingwa.
The number of women affinity groups participating in the programme has increased from 3,000 to 6,000.
The state encouraged women in the participating communities to take advantage of the programme’s economic and social support opportunities.
