By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia, Oct. 27, 2026
Abia Government has expressed its commitment to attracting investment, professional expertise and business partnerships from its diaspora community to accelerate the state’s development.
The Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev. Dr Annie Onu, disclosed this on Monday, in Umuahia, at a news conference while unveiling plans for the Abia Diaspora Global Homecoming scheduled for Dec. 18 to 21.
Onu said the event would bring Abia citizens living abroad together to explore investment opportunities, exchange knowledge and identify practical ways to contribute to the state’s economic growth.
She said that the initiative would also strengthen relations between the state government and its diaspora community while encouraging collaboration with local entrepreneurs, farmers and other stakeholders.
“The Abia Diaspora Global Homecoming is an opportunity for Abians living abroad to return home, witness the progress being made in the state and contribute their knowledge, skills and resources to its development,” she said.
According to her, the programme will begin on Dec. 18 with a solidarity walk, followed by engagements with local content providers and organic farmers.
She said that the engagements would enable participants to exchange business ideas, explore partnerships and identify locally produced goods with export potential.
Onu said that many Abia citizens abroad had acquired valuable professional experience and specialised skills which could support development initiatives in their home state.
“We have professionals and highly skilled Abians doing great things in different parts of the world.
“They are eager to bring their knowledge and expertise back home and contribute to the development of Abia in various capacities,” she said.
Onu disclosed that the grand finale on Dec. 21 would feature an interaction with Gov. Alex Otti, during which participants would discuss possible areas of collaboration and offer ideas to support the state’s development agenda.
The commission’s chief executive also said that plans were underway to establish chapters in locations where Abia citizens reside abroad to strengthen communication and sustain engagement with the state.
She added that the commission remained committed to supporting the welfare and educational needs of Abia people living abroad.
Onu called on residents to welcome returning indigenes and engage with them on ideas and partnerships that could promote community development and the overall progress of the state.
