Drama, dance, and cultural displays featured prominently as Abia State marked the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.
The Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, who led the event at the International Conference Center in Umuahia, called on governments at all levels, public and private institutions, and community organizations to invest in women in order to drive societal progress.
Represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, she urged women to reflect on how far they have come and how far they still need to go.
Speaking on the theme, “Give to Gain,” Mrs. Otti called for dedicated action toward investing in women.
According to her:
“When we invest in women, we multiply impact.
When we give women opportunities, we gain dignity.
When we give women access, we gain progress.
When we give women a voice, we gain a stronger society.”
She lamented that despite women’s immense contributions, many are still waiting for opportunities, support, and a fair chance to fully realize their potential.
Mrs. Otti urged stakeholders to create an environment where women can fully express their potential without fear or discrimination. She also commended Governor Otti and the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their commitment to dismantling barriers facing women through empowerment and education.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, emphasized that empowering women economically, socially, and politically unlocks the full potential of both the state and the nation.
Speaking on the sub-theme, “Access to Justice for Our Women and Girls,” Dr. Aghukwa explained that justice is not a privilege but a fundamental right. However, for many women and girls, access to justice remains a distant reality due to cultural barriers, economic limitations, lack of awareness, and systemic challenges.
She stated:
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment as a government and as a people to break down these barriers.
We must ensure that every woman and girl in Abia State knows her rights, can speak without fear, and has access to institutions that will protect and uphold those rights. From strengthening our legal frameworks to supporting survivors of gender-based violence, increasing awareness, and improving access to legal aid services, we must act decisively.”*
In a lecture series, the keynote speaker, Dr. Ezinne Otuka, emphasized that investing in women is not just a moral obligation but a strategic economic input that stabilizes families and contributes to national development.
Also contributing, Chief Magistrate Enyidiya Onwunta stated that measures should be put in place to ensure women have access to justice.
She noted that there is no justification for discriminating against any woman because of her gender.
