Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the wife of the Abia State Governor, has affirmed her commitment to empowering young women and promoting the state’s cultural heritage.
This affirmation was made at her country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State, during a courtesy visit by Miss Ugonma Ogbonnaya, the first runner-up at Miss Diaspora Nigeria, USA 2024, and Best Cultural Costume winner.
Congratulating Miss Ogbonnaya on her exceptional achievements on the international stage, Mrs. Otti praised the first runner-up for showcasing Abia’s rich cultural heritage. She described her victory in the Best Cultural Costume category as a proud moment for Abia and Nigeria at large.
The Abia First Lady also commended Miss Ogbonnaya for her passion and dedication to using her platform to inspire young people, particularly women, to embrace their heritage and achieve their dreams.
She lauded her for conducting a medical outreach in Igbere, Bende LGA, and assured her of her willingness to partner with her in other initiatives that align with the vision of the Alex Otti administration.
Mrs. Otti further encouraged Miss Ogbonnaya to remain focused and steadfast in her mission to empower the younger generation, especially in tackling issues like gender-based violence (GBV), which her office prioritizes.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuruibe, extolled Miss Ogbonnaya’s accomplishments, describing her as a shining example of the talent and potential that abound in Abia State.
He emphasized the importance of promoting the state’s culture and creative industries, adding that her achievements on the global stage have brought honor to Abia and Nigeria.
Ekwuruibe further highlighted the ministry’s resolve to partner with Miss Ogbonnaya on cultural and creative initiatives, noting that such collaborations would not only showcase Abia’s rich heritage but also provide opportunities for young people to excel in arts and culture.
Earlier, Miss Ogbonnaya emphasized her vision to create programs that inspire and empower young women to pursue their aspirations while staying connected to their roots.
She expressed her gratitude to Governor Alex Otti and Mrs. Priscilla Otti for the support and opportunities given to her to represent Abia State on the global stage.
Accompanying Miss Ogbonnaya on the visit was Mrs. Matilda Anyamele, Special Assistant to the Governor on Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, alongside other government officials.