Abia State First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has reaffirmed her commitment to women’s empowerment, using the International Women’s Day celebration to unveil major support initiatives. Speaking at the event, she emphasized the importance of investing in women, citing its potential to accelerate progress, foster economic growth, and promote social development.
Mrs. Otti announced plans to rehabilitate victims of baby factories and prosecute perpetrators, highlighting her administration’s dedication to protecting vulnerable groups. She also stressed the significance of women’s leadership, stating that “women ultimately make better leaders in companies and institutions that require prudence”.
The First Lady has been actively promoting women’s empowerment through various initiatives, including the Skill Up Abia Women program, which provides vocational skills and cash grants to vulnerable women. She has also distributed cash support to small-scale traders, particularly women, in markets across Abia State.
In her address, Mrs. Otti urged women to be agents of change, promoting unity and collective decision-making to transform their communities. She also commended her husband, Governor Alex Otti, for his progressive policies supporting women’s development.
The Abia State Government has allocated ₦2 billion to support community-based cooperative societies, with at least 60% of beneficiaries being women, especially those in agriculture. This initiative aims to empower women economically, enabling them to support their families and contribute to the state’s growth.
Mrs. Otti’s efforts have been praised by various stakeholders, including government officials and beneficiaries, who acknowledge the positive impact of her initiatives on women’s lives.
