Abia set to host security summit, Joins to commemorate Aguiyi-Ironsi 60th anniversary
Abia set to host security summit, Joins to commemorate Aguiyi-Ironsi 60th anniversary
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has announced that the state will host a high-level South-East Security Summit on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the International Conference centre Umuahia.
The summit, which is themed, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability”, is aimed at bringing together key stakeholders to deliberate on collaborative strategies for strengthening security and regional stability across the South-East.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said that the summit, “will attract Governors of the five South-East states, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as Special Guest of Honour, while former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd.), will deliver the keynote address and Governor Alex Otti will be the host.
“The summit underscores the commitment of the South-East Governors to fostering stronger regional cooperation in addressing security challenges and promoting lasting peace and stability,” Prince Kanu stated.
The Commissioner also announced that Governor Alex Otti will tomorrow, July 29, 2026, lead eminent Nigerians in commemorating the 60th memorial anniversary of Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi.
According to him, the activities lined up include; a wreath-laying ceremony at the late General’s tomb at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Conference Centre, followed by a reception featuring tributes and goodwill messages at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
He informed that, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is the Special Guest of Honour, while former President Olusegun Obasanjo will attend as Guest of Honour and the Governor Alex Otti is the Chief host while Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe will be the royal father of the day.
Prince Kanu further disclosed that Governor Otti will, on Friday July 31, 2026, formally hand over the newly constructed Nigerian Air Force Administrative Complex in Umuahia to the Nigerian Air Force.
He said the ceremony will be attended by the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Air Staff and other senior military officers.
On health sector, the Commissioner said the Executive Council reviewed the remarkable progress recorded by the Ministry of Health during its annual performance assessment and workshop, noting significant improvements in healthcare delivery across the state.
He listed key achievements to include the expansion of fully equipped and staffed Primary Healthcare Centres and secondary health facilities, ongoing renovation of health infrastructure, increased hospital utilisation, reduction in maternal mortality, expansion of digital health initiatives, strengthened global partnerships and sustained growth in enrollment under the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme.
“These indicators reflect a health sector undergoing massive transformation and demonstrate the Governor’s unwavering commitment to providing accessible, quality healthcare for Abians,” Prince Kanu stated.
Prince Kanu further revealed that 148 Primary Healthcare Centres have so far been fully functionalised, with three additional centres scheduled for functionalisation this week, while 35 others are currently being equipped ahead of their completion.
He also disclosed that enrollment in the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme has risen to 233,000 beneficiaries since its launch in 2025, with government developing strategies to extend coverage to more indigent residents.
On public health, the Commissioner assured residents that no cases of diseases of public health importance, including Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, cholera, diphtheria, Mpox and yellow fever, were recorded in the state during the period under review.
The Commissioners for Health Prof Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche as well as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma were present at the briefing.