NEWS
Abia State Govt. Unveils Week-Long Programme to Mark 35th Anniversary, as Gov. Alex Otti to Commission Projects, Flag-Off New Ones
The Abia State Government has rolled out an elaborate week-long programme to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state, with Governor Alex Chioma Otti expected to commission completed projects and flag off new ones as the state reflects on its journey and future development.
The anniversary activities, scheduled to run from Sunday, August 23, through Thursday, August 27, 2026, will feature a blend of thanksgiving, infrastructure commissioning, innovation, technology, arts, intellectual discourse and direct communication from the state government.
August 27 marks the exact date Abia State was created in 1991, making this year’s celebration a significant milestone in the state’s history.
The programme was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, on Monday, August 17, 2026, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the week’s Executive Council Meeting presided over by State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.
According to the commissioner, the celebration will commence on Sunday, August 23, with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Event Centre near Michael Okpara Roundabout in Umuahia.
The thanksgiving service is expected to provide an opportunity for residents, government officials, religious leaders and other stakeholders to reflect on the state’s 35-year journey while offering prayers for continued peace, stability and development.
A major highlight of the anniversary will come on Tuesday, August 25, when Governor Otti will commission a number of completed projects and flag off new projects across the state.
The commissioning and flag-off ceremonies are expected to further showcase the administration’s ongoing development agenda, while providing residents with an opportunity to witness projects delivered or initiated under the current government.
Wednesday, August 26, has been designated as an innovation-focused day, with the state government set to spotlight technology, creativity and the contributions of young innovators.
The day will feature a hackathon, technology exhibition, as well as an arts and pictures exhibition, creating a platform for innovators, technology enthusiasts, artists and other creative talents to showcase their ideas and works.
Prince Kanu described the innovation activities as a major component of the anniversary programme, highlighting the government’s growing emphasis on technology, innovation and creativity as tools for accelerating development.
“On Wednesday, the 26th of August, the state government will celebrate a huge innovation day as the Hackerton Tech Exhibition, the Arts and Pictures Exhibition.
“Finally, on Thursday, the 27th of August, the very day the state was created, the Governor will make a state broadcast in the morning. Later that morning, there will be an anniversary keynote lecture,” Prince Kanu said.
The celebrations will culminate on Thursday, August 27, with a state broadcast by Governor Otti in the morning, followed later by an anniversary keynote lecture.
The keynote lecture is expected to provide a platform for a broader examination of Abia’s development journey, achievements, challenges and future prospects.
The commissioner explained that the keynote speaker and discussants would use the occasion to examine the state’s development trajectory and offer fresh perspectives on how Abia can accelerate its progress.
Beyond marking the anniversary, the programme is expected to bring together different segments of Abia society to celebrate the state’s history, assess its present condition and engage with ideas capable of shaping its future.
With activities spanning faith, infrastructure, technology, culture and intellectual engagement, the 35th anniversary celebration is set to serve not only as a commemoration of Abia’s creation but also as an opportunity to highlight the state’s evolving development priorities and renewed aspirations for the years ahead.