Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to placing women at the forefront of the state’s socio-economic transformation agenda, describing them as the vital “bedrock of the family” and indispensable partners in building the New Abia.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Friday, August 28, 2026, during the grand finale of the 2026 Abia Women August Delegates Conference (AWADEC), held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia. The conference, which gathered women leaders, delegates, and stakeholders from across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas, was themed “Abia Women: Empowered to Thrive.”
Speaking before the crowd, Governor Otti highlighted the crucial role mothers play in driving societal morality and family stability.
“Women are the bedrock of the family. Anywhere the family is not together, look at the women,” Otti stated. “And we want to say that we cannot take any woman for granted. In the New Abia, we take women very, very seriously.”
He urged mothers to stay vigilant in steering their children away from social vices such as crime, cultism, and bad associations, emphasizing that proper upbringing remains essential to securing the state’s future.
The Governor used the occasion to commend his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for her persistent social interventions targeting vulnerable groups. He praised her initiatives, including the provision of housing units for 35 vulnerable women, the Safe Tent Care Initiative, and financial programs aimed at strengthening women-led businesses.
In her address, the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, urged women to step up, acquire vocational skills, and build viable enterprises to achieve economic independence.
Detailing the 2026 August Meeting achievements, she announced practical supports rolled out statewide, including aid to petty traders, farmers, widows, and victims of gender-based violence.
She highlighted the Thrive Business Challenge, revealing that non-finalist participants would receive a ₦50,000 consolation grant, while the top 10 finalists would be supported with productive business assets and capital grants.
Also speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, called on Abia women to maximize the annual August Meeting as a structured platform for economic empowerment, health education, and local leadership.
Delivering a keynote message, the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Prof. Ursula Akanwa, encouraged participants to embrace digital and vocational skills required to navigate the modern economy.
Governor Otti concluded by reiterating that his government will continuously prioritize women-focused policies, ensuring access to protection, capital, and equal opportunities across all sectors.
