The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has said that good infrastructure, especially quality roads, is important to creating an environment where women can grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Mrs. Otti stated this while addressing women at the 2026 August Meeting in Aba South. She described women as key contributors to the economic development taking place across Abia State.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, Mrs. Otti said women were creating value in various sectors, including leather and fashion, trade, agriculture, entrepreneurship and manufacturing. She, however, noted that their efforts would produce better results when supported by good infrastructure and the right economic environment.
According to her, the theme of this year’s August Meeting, “Women of Abia, Empowered to Thrive,” reflects the aspirations of women across the state.
“Empowerment is not only about giving a woman support. It is about creating the conditions in which her effort can yield results,” she said.
Mrs. Otti said the ongoing reconstruction of major roads across the state was part of the government’s wider economic development strategy. She noted that poor roads had over the years affected businesses and increased transportation costs.
She recalled that Port Harcourt Road in Aba had suffered years of neglect, with its poor condition affecting businesses, transport operators, schools, churches and factories.
The governor’s wife said the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road, Crystal Park Road and other roads by the administration of Governor Alex Otti was changing the situation, describing the projects as a restoration of dignity, commerce and comfort.
“For our women, this matters very much. Good roads cut costs, speed up business and give our women the chance to thrive,” she said.
She also highlighted programmes by her office through the Safe Tent Care Initiative, particularly the Ahiaoma Women Economic Empowerment Programme, which provides grants and other forms of support to women running small businesses.
Mrs. Otti urged women to take advantage of available opportunities, remain resilient and continue contributing to the growth of their families and communities.
Also speaking, the wife of the Aba South Local Government Mayor, Mrs. Akudo Precious Anyanwu, said giving women the right skills, knowledge and opportunities was essential to building stronger families and communities.
She described Abia women as strong, hardworking and impactful, noting that they were contributing as traders, entrepreneurs, caregivers, builders and leaders.
“A thriving woman is not merely surviving; she is leading, providing and empowering her family, her business and her community,” she said.
Mrs. Anyanwu stressed the importance of skills acquisition and knowledge in areas such as business, technology, agriculture and financial management, saying these would help women become more productive, independent and economically empowered.
She commended Governor Alex Otti and his wife for supporting women, adding that when women thrive, families and communities also prosper, contributing to the development of the state.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area, Mr. Anyanwu Dennis, commended Governor Alex Otti for creating opportunities aimed at improving the welfare and economic prospects of women in the state.
He called on women to support the governor’s administration, saying continued support was necessary for the government to sustain its development programmes.
“While we are creating opportunities for women to thrive, kudos goes to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, whose re-election bid is not negotiable. We call for maximum support from the women so that the good work will continue,” he said.
