Otti Hails Abia Women as Pillars of Development, Announces 60% Allocation in N2bn Cooperative Fund

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has lauded women in the state as formidable pillars of development, noting their immense contributions to the social, political, and economic growth of the society.

Otti gave the commendation on Tuesday at the 2025 edition of the Abia Women Delegates Conference, held in Umuahia.

Reflecting on the role of women in the state’s history, the governor said:
“Abia women have, in the last 34 years, emerged as strong development pillars, offering themselves and their resources in the collective push to build a prosperous and peaceful society.

Through your wise counsel, encouragement, and direct participation in the affairs of our communities, you not only add to the wealth of this state, but more fundamentally, you bring out the best in all of us.”

The governor acknowledged the sacrifices of women across different strata of society, from teachers in village schools to market traders and mothers who, he said, embody resilience and charity.

He added that the modest achievements of his administration over the last 24 months would not have been possible without their courage and commitment.

Highlighting his government’s empowerment drive, Otti recalled the recent approval of a ₦2 billion support fund for community-based cooperative societies, directing that at least 60 percent of the beneficiaries must be women, particularly those in agriculture.

He also noted that women remain the primary beneficiaries of the state’s capacity development programmes in ICT, vocational training, and agriculture.

“Our goal is to raise a critical mass of women who are sufficiently empowered to draw value for themselves and their families. The entire society shall be doomed if mothers refuse to collectively resist social behaviour that is inimical to the healthy growth of the population,” he stated.

In her remarks, the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, emphasized the need for increased women’s representation in governance. She called on the State House of Assembly to guarantee women 50 percent of all elected and appointed positions.

She also unveiled a new empowerment initiative, pledging support for 340 women—20 from each of Abia’s 17 local government areas—to expand their farms, businesses, and enterprises.
“Because when women thrive, families flourish, communities prosper, and societies advance. There is no height too high for Abia women to attain,” Mrs. Otti declared.

Reaffirming her commitment, the First Lady said her office would continue to expand skill acquisition programmes, support girls’ education, empower farmers, and provide care for widows, persons with disabilities, survivors of gender-based violence, and other vulnerable groups.

The 2025 edition marks the third Abia Women Delegates Conference under the present administration.