Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has approved N1 million each for 31 indigenes of the state who recently returned from South Africa.

The approval is intended to provide immediate financial relief and reassure the returnees that they have not been abandoned, the state government said.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku, the government disclosed that comprehensive profiling of the returnees was also underway.

According to the statement, the profiling would help the government understand the individual circumstances and socio-economic conditions of each returnee and develop appropriate interventions for sustainable reintegration and social protection.

The government said the initiative was part of Governor Otti’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents and helping them recover and rebuild their lives.

“The gesture underscores Governor Otti’s compassion and unwavering commitment to the welfare of vulnerable persons in communities across the State and beyond,” the statement said.

It added that the support reflected the administration’s determination to ensure that every Abian, regardless of their circumstances, had an opportunity to recover, rebuild and contribute meaningfully to society.

The statement further noted that since assuming office, Otti had prioritised policies and programmes aimed at protecting the dignity and wellbeing of citizens, particularly those facing hardship.

“The Government of Abia State under His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, reiterates that Abia remains home to all its sons and daughters. It also assures that no Abian will be left behind, irrespective of their location or circumstance,” the statement added.