The wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, through her pet project, the Safe Tent Care Initiative, has empowered 200 Abia women with 100,000 naira each to support and grow their businesses.
The initiative, themed Ahiaoma Empowerment Programme, is designed to ensure that women are not only funded but also protected, supported, and positioned to thrive in their businesses.
Beyond the financial grants, beneficiaries will also benefit from mentorship, business development services, and capacity-building programmes aimed at ensuring long-term growth and financial independence.
Speaking during the launch of the programme at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia on Friday, Mrs. Otti said the initiative is strategically designed to strengthen women-owned businesses, deepen financial literacy, and build sustainable livelihoods across Abia State.
She explained that empowering women remains both a moral responsibility and an economic necessity.
According to her, “When women earn, they reinvest significantly in their families and communities. This is not just a social intervention; it is a smart economic strategy that drives growth,” she said.
Mrs. Otti also reiterated that the initiative aligns with the vision of Governor Dr. Alex Otti to promote inclusive growth, human capital development, and sustainable prosperity, particularly for women at the grassroots level. She added that access to capital alone is not enough, stressing that without the right support systems, progress becomes difficult.
She further announced that the forthcoming Agri-Market Reform Initiative will focus on improving storage facilities, reducing post-harvest losses, and enabling women farmers to access better markets and fair pricing. She called for strategic partnerships with stakeholders and financial institutions to actualize the project.
In their remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, commended the First Lady for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of women in the state. Her counterpart in the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing poverty and creating sustainable opportunities for vulnerable groups.
They described the initiative as a transformative intervention that not only provides immediate financial relief but also creates a pathway to long-term economic stability and empowerment. They urged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity to grow their businesses and improve their standard of living.
During a financial literacy session, Mr. Jonathan Ibiloye of Signature Bank advised participants to adopt disciplined financial habits, avoid fraudulent schemes, and prioritize savings as well as proper record keeping.
Also speaking, Mrs. Rose Ako of the Bank of Industry emphasized the importance of maintaining active bank accounts and credible financial records, noting that such practices are essential for accessing loans and scaling businesses. She further announced the rollout of a 4 billion naira matching fund scheme in partnership with the Abia State Government to support small and medium-scale enterprises.
In her goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, commended Mrs. Otti for recognizing market women as the backbone of the local economy and for designing an intervention that directly addresses their needs.
