Governor Alex Otti’s administration has demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity, particularly in terms of gender and disability.
In terms of gender inclusivity, Otti’s administration has made notable strides. During the appointment process for members of his cabinet, Dr. Alex Otti thought it wise to appoint reputable, impeccable, diligent, God-fearing, and dedicated women to positions of trust. One notable example is the appointment of women to key positions in the state, such as two former Heads of Service, Lady Joy Maduka and Dr. Mrs. Queen Obioma, to assist in driving his administration’s agenda for public and civil servants. This move indicates the government’s willingness to partner with women. Various stakeholders, including the Traveling Mothers for a New Abia, a non-governmental organization, commended this great move by Governor Otti’s administration.
The former Acting Head of Service, during her tenure in office, praised the Governor for prioritizing women’s inclusion, stating that the role of women in nation-building cannot be underestimated. She emphasized that women’s inclusion in governance is crucial for socio-economic growth, as women are the backbone of families and communities.
Governor Otti also appointed Mrs. Ngozi Phillips as the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, understanding the importance of inclusivity and a holistic approach toward tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and addressing the issues affecting the girl child. He further divided the Ministry of Women Affairs into the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Ministry of Poverty Reduction and Social Protection to ensure that women, the visually impaired, and vulnerable groups were given serious attention to thrive.
The two ministries are currently occupied by two dedicated women. In addition, he appointed women to various positions to complement his administration’s commitment to quality service delivery.
Regarding disability inclusivity, Governor Otti has been vocal about promoting the rights and participation of persons with disabilities. He condemned the exclusion of people with disabilities from governance. The administration has taken steps to support people with disabilities, such as appointing individuals with disabilities to government positions and sponsoring para-sports events. All these efforts demonstrate Governor Otti’s commitment to creating a more inclusive administration where diverse groups have equal opportunities to participate and contribute.
Meanwhile, some key areas where women office holders have made an impact in Governor Otti’s administration include:
Healthcare: Women have been appointed to key positions in the healthcare sector, contributing to the refurbishment of decaying healthcare facilities and the construction of new ones.
Education: Women have played a crucial role in the renovation of schools, improvement of teacher training, and the launch of scholarship programs.
Economic Empowerment: Governor Otti’s administration has launched various initiatives aimed at economically empowering women, including skill acquisition programs and job creation schemes.
Overall, the performance of women office holders in Governor Otti’s administration has been impressive, and their contributions have been recognized and appreciated by various stakeholders.
Furthermore, Otti’s administration has demonstrated a commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality through various initiatives, including:
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development: Responsible for implementing policies and programs aimed at promoting women’s welfare and social development.
Abia State Women Development Center: Provides training and employment programs for women, focusing on skills acquisition and economic development.
Child Welfare and Social Services Department: Works to protect the rights and welfare of children and vulnerable groups in Abia State.
World Gender Equality Day: Abia State has joined the United Nations in celebrating World Gender Equality Day with events aimed at promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Empowerment Programs: Implemented various employment programs, including skill acquisition training and economic development initiatives, to support women’s economic empowerment.
Gender-Based Violence: Acknowledged the prevalence of gender-based violence and taken steps to address the issue through policy and program initiatives.
Patriarchal Land Practices: Recognized the need to address patriarchal land practices that limit women’s access to land and economic opportunities.
