Child trafficking, baby factories, and gender-based violence remain societal evils that must be eradicated. These heinous crimes, which primarily target women and children, leave devastating effects and threaten societal values.
In Abia State, the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has taken a firm stand against these crimes, initiating interventions to curb them and provide support for victims.
On June 4, 2023, less than a month into Governor Alex Otti’s administration, 21 pregnant teenagers and two babies were rescued during a raid at the now-defunct Nma Charity and Social Mother’s Rehabilitation Centre in Umunkpeyi Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA. The operation was carried out by the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Ohafia.
Condemning the act, Mrs. Otti called for a clampdown on illegal orphanages and charity homes that serve as fronts for such crimes. She collaborated with the state government to ensure mechanisms were put in place to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators.
“We are geared up to ensure that Abia State will no longer be comfortable for the perpetrators of baby factories and human trafficking to operate,” Mrs. Otti stated.
On March 7, 2024, the Rapid Response Squad of the Abia State Police Command rescued 16 pregnant women from a baby factory in Aba, following credible intelligence. Mrs. Otti strongly denounced the practice, describing it as appalling, and commended the collaborative efforts of security agencies in the state.
The rescued victims were rehabilitated and empowered through the Ministry of Women Affairs. Non-indigenes among them were counseled, financially supported, and reunited with their families, while four indigent Abians were stabilized and empowered to start businesses.
Mrs. Otti detailed some empowerment stories:
– Miss Precious Ndubuisi, interested in selling fashion materials, was provided a shop, 23 vintage fabrics, and a ₦120,000 grant.
– Miss Blessing Otuonye, interested in poultry farming, received a poultry house, 100 chicks, chicken feed, equipment, and a ₦120,000 grant.
– Miss Mary Monday, interested in hairstyling, was equipped with a shop, hair accessories, and a ₦120,000 grant.
– Miss Faith Chinaza, interested in foodstuff sales, received a shop, supplies, and a ₦120,000 grant.
Mrs. Otti ensured that the beneficiaries were mentored and monitored to ensure sustainable business growth.
On gender-based violence (GBV), Mrs. Otti has championed efforts to support survivors and punish perpetrators. One case involved Mrs. Amarachi Lawrence from Umuahia North LGA, who suffered severe abuse at the hands of her husband. Mr. Lawrence was apprehended and handed over to law enforcement, while Mrs. Otti visited the victim, supported her treatment, and made a cash donation.
The First Lady has partnered with key stakeholders, including the police and the Ministry of Justice, and worked with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) to combat GBV.
At a summit in Umuahia marking the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV in 2024, Mrs. Otti stressed the need for a united approach to ending violence.
“It demands a united, multisectoral approach involving every stakeholder, government, civil society organizations, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, educators, and community members,” she said.
Under her leadership, the state has inaugurated the GBV Response Team and Management Committee to ensure coordinated responses, timely intervention, and support for survivors. The state also established a GBV Victim Support Fund to provide legal aid, medical care, counseling, and shelter.
Mrs. Otti emphasized strengthening awareness campaigns, training law enforcement, and partnering with NGOs and community leaders to challenge cultural norms perpetuating violence. She also expressed delight at the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Abia State.
“As the First Lady of Abia State, I remain deeply committed to this cause. Together, through our multisectoral efforts, operationalizing the VAPP law, and with unwavering determination, we will end GBV and build a future where the rights, dignity, and safety of every individual are upheld,” she declared.
Mrs. Otti’s initiatives extend to youth and women empowerment, education grants, healthcare improvements, and community market development. She has visited and donated to schools for the blind, correctional facilities, orphanages, and remand homes in the state.
Additionally, she has partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to address drug abuse, focusing on rehabilitation efforts for affected individuals.
