The Abia State Government has unveiled a week-long programme of activities to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state, with project inaugurations, groundbreaking ceremonies, youth innovation activities and an anniversary lecture scheduled for the celebration.

The State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced the programme on Tuesday at the Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for the government and people of Abia to reflect on the state’s journey since its creation in 1991, celebrate its achievements and consider its prospects for further development.

According to him, the activities will commence on Sunday with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Trade More Event Centre, located within the premises of the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia.

The service is expected to bring together government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to offer prayers for the continued peace, stability and development of the state.

Kanu said Governor Otti would on Tuesday inaugurate completed projects and flag off new ones as part of activities marking the anniversary.

He explained that the project inaugurations and groundbreaking ceremonies would showcase some of the administration’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and accelerate development across the state.

On Wednesday, the governor will participate in a Youth Innovation Day featuring a hackathon and technology exhibition.

The event is expected to provide young people with an opportunity to showcase innovative ideas, technological solutions and digital skills, while promoting greater youth participation in the development of the state.

The commissioner said the anniversary activities would culminate on August 27, the date Abia State was created in 1991 by the then military administration headed by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

The anniversary day will begin with a state broadcast by Governor Otti, who is expected to address the people on the significance of the milestone, the state’s development journey and the administration’s vision for the future.

This will be followed by an anniversary keynote lecture focusing on the history, growth and development of Abia State.

Kanu said the lecture would provide an opportunity for the keynote speaker and other discussants to examine the state’s development trajectory from 1991 to date, including its achievements, challenges and prospects.

Abia State was created on August 27, 1991, alongside several other states during the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.

The 35th anniversary celebration is therefore expected to combine reflection on the state’s past with attention to its present development and future aspirations, bringing together government officials, residents, youths, traditional and community leaders and other stakeholders to commemorate the milestone.