ABIA UNVEILS ACTIVITIES FOR 35TH ANNIVERSARY

The Abia State Government has unveiled a week-long programme of activities to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, announced the programme after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia.

The anniversary activities will begin on Sunday, August 23, with an interdenominational thanksgiving service.

On Tuesday, August 25, Governor Otti is expected to commission completed projects and flag off new ones as part of the celebrations.

The state government has also designated Wednesday, August 26, as an innovation-focused day, featuring a hackathon, technology exhibition, and an arts and pictures exhibition.

The anniversary will culminate on Thursday, August 27, the date Abia State was created in 1991. Otti is scheduled to deliver a state broadcast that morning, followed by a keynote lecture examining the state's development journey and prospects for future growth.

The commissioner said the activities would provide an opportunity to reflect on Abia's progress while highlighting areas requiring further development.

Abia was created from the old Imo State on August 27, 1991, during the military administration of former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida.

Kanu said the anniversary would also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss ways of accelerating development and positioning the state for greater economic and social progress.

The government said the programme was designed to combine reflection on Abia's history with activities focused on innovation, development, culture, and the state's future.