Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has commended the vital role of Abia women in fostering state development, describing them as the “pillars upon which the superstructures that guarantee the enduring progress of every society are rested”.
Governor Otti made the remark while declaring open the 2024 Abia Women August Delegates Conference, (AWADEC) held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
The Governor highlighted the achievements of Abia women both within the state and in the diaspora, pointing out that women are breaking grounds across various fields, including academia, sports, business, and public service.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to breaking down barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles, and emphasized that his administration is doing a lot to support women.
“I am glad to report that in the New Abia, we are steadily shattering the glass ceilings that kept women away from very important seats at the decision-making table.
“As I said here last year, we are very deliberate in assigning key positions to women because from my experience, women have proven to be very reliable, dedicated and are less likely to be drawn to the distractions that most men are susceptible to.
“It is instructive to note that much of the progress we have made as an administration come from the support and insights we receive from the women who understand our pain points as a society, better than most of us”,Gov Otti remarked.
The Governor while noting that the theme of the Conference “Utilising Growth Opportunities Amid Current Economic Challenges”, is apt, called on the women to adopt innovative thinking and a departure from past practices that have hindered economic progress.
He further urged the Women to explore opportunities in agriculture, trading services, and entrepreneurship as pathways to economic recovery and sustainability, assuring that they would continue to hold a pride of place in the New Abia.
Earlier in her speech, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti said the event provides opportunity for Abia women to reflect on the last one year and thanked the Governor for believing that Abia women can move mountains if given opportunity.
Mrs Otti who announced that there would be the Abia version of the home garden competition envisioned by the wife of the president, assured that government would support individuals who show interest in home gardening.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Blessing Felix, noted that female folks bear the brunt of the economic challenges and stated that the conference would afford Abia women the chance to engage, empower, network and collaborate.
The event which featured lectures, exhibitions and cultural dances, attracted women from all walks of life.
