The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti.
The wife of the Governor of Abia state, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has empowered the 21 pregnant teenagers rescued from the illegal Nma Charity and Social Mothers Rehabilitation Centre at Umunkpeyi Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State to start a business of their choice.
The now defunct charity home was used as a decoy by child traffickers to harbour teenage pregnant mothers to sell off their children as they give birth.
19, out of the rescued teen mothers who were not indigenes of Abia state were counseled for 3 months, after their stabilisation by the state ministry of women affairs and poverty alleviation, they were assisted financially by the wife of Abia Governor and subsequently taken to their various states of origin for reunion with their families.
The Abia State First Lady, made sure that the 4, indigent Abians amongst those rescued were well cared for, stabilised and counseled for 3 months and assisted to start any business of their respective choices.
Speaking with journalists at Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South LGA, the wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti stated that in order to ensure the full integration of the teenage mothers back to the society so that they do not relapse back to their old life, the teenage mothers were interviewed and assessed on what business they can thrive on.
She explained that Miss. Precious Ndubuisi, who showed interest in selling fashion materials was empowered with a one year rented shop space, 23 different vintage materials of 10 yards each with a take off grant of # 120,000.
Miss. Blessing Otuonye, who showed interest in poultry farming was assisted with a construction of poultry house, provision of 100 birds (chicks) with drugs, 5 bags of chicken feeds, kerosene stove, feeding bowls and a take off grant of # 120,000.
Also, Miss. Mary Monday, who showed interest in hair styling and dressing was empowered with a one year paid shop space, hair accessories, 3 cartons of hair extensions of 75 pieces each and a take off grant of # 120,000.
While Miss. Faith Chinaza, who chooses to go into foodstuffs business received a one year paid shop space, one bag of toll rice, half bag of beans, half carton of Maggi star, half carton of knor cubes, measuring cups, 3 cartons of noodles, 1 carton of sachet tomatoes and a take off grant of # 120,000.
Mrs. Otti also reveals that measures have been put in place to mentor and monitor them so that they will grow in their businesses and makes profits.
According to her, our gesture is for them to serve as our ambassadors to other tenagers and to show that such life is a road not taken by encouraging them that they can reach their potentials without engaging in an unlawful activities or crimes against humanity.
She emphasized that the operators of the defunct rehabilitation home are already in the custody of the law enforcement agency to face the law.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Otti condemned in strong terms the business of human trafficking and warned perpetrators of child trafficking to desist from such act, adding that Abia state government will not spare anyone cut in this heinous crime against humanity.
She expressed optimism with the level of support and strategies put in place by the Abia state government to eradicate the menace of human and child trafficking syndicates in the state.
Corroborating the story, Mrs. Blessing Felix, the state commissioner for the vulnerable groups and social protection narrated that on June 4th, 2023, twenty one teenage pregnant girls and two babies were rescued from the now defunct Nma Charity and Social Mother’s Rehabilitation Centre, Umunkpeyi Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State by the troops of 14 Brigade Nigeria Army Base in Ohafia during a raid sequel to illegal activities going on at the centre.
She commended the wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti for her prompt response to ensure that the girls were rehabilitated, established and justice served to the perpetrators of the crime.
She explained that one of the factors that pushed the teenagers into the acts, to the extent of being willing to sell their own children was poverty.
Mrs. Felix, emphasized that the state government is changing the narratives by supporting youths and women through agribusinesses and skills acquisition.
Also, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups, Mrs. Ifeoma Thomas, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Ogechi Oguama advised the teenage mothers to reciprocate the gesture offered them by the wife of the Governor by living a good life and to dissuade others from taking that route.
