The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has described women in Aba North Local Government Area as critical drivers of the state’s economic growth, assuring them of continued support through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and other initiatives aimed at promoting economic independent
Mrs. Otti stated this during the 2026 August Meeting of women in Aba North, held under the theme, “Women of Abia, Empowered to Thrive.”
Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, the Governor’s wife conveyed the warm regards of the Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, to the women.
She noted that Aba North had evolved into a major commercial hub driven by trade, industry and enterprise, with its markets and businesses providing livelihoods for thousands of traders, artisans and entrepreneurs, particularly women.
According to her, the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of women in Aba North reflect the strength and determination of Abia women.
Mrs. Otti said the theme of the 2026 August Meeting was particularly relevant because true empowerment involves creating an environment where women can turn their talents, skills and hard work into sustainable livelihoods.
“Here in Aba North, that means supporting women in trade, manufacturing, agriculture, services and the next generation of entrepreneurs. Women are not just beneficiaries of development; they are drivers of economic growth,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of infrastructure to economic development, especially in a commercial centre like Aba, noting that good roads would facilitate business operations, improve access to markets, increase productivity and boost the income of women.
Mrs. Otti further disclosed that empowering women to achieve economic independence remained one of her priorities. She noted that fertiliser had recently been distributed to rural women farmers across the state to strengthen agricultural production.
She added that her empowerment efforts extended beyond agriculture, as her office and the Safe Tent Care Initiative had provided opportunities for women to acquire skills, access start-up support and build sustainable livelihoods.
Also speaking, the wife of the Mayor of Aba North, Mrs. Nina Kalu Iheke, described the August Meeting as a celebration of womanhood, resilience, unity and empowerment.
She said the economic, social, political and educational empowerment of women would translate into stronger families and communities.
Mrs. Iheke commended the administration of Governor Alex Otti for creating opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
She also praised Mrs. Priscilla Otti for her commitment to the welfare and dignity of women, particularly through the Dignity Homes Initiative, which recently provided 35 fully furnished three-bedroom homes.
According to her, the initiative had provided beneficiaries with not only shelter but also hope, dignity, security and a renewed sense of belonging.
She urged women to complement government efforts by supporting and mentoring one another, embracing education, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, promoting peace in their homes and taking advantage of opportunities provided by government and private organisations.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Chinedu Ogba, said education and entrepreneurship remained important pathways to growth, independence and self-determination for women.
She described Abia women as creative, hardworking, resilient and determined, noting that they had consistently demonstrated the capacity to overcome economic and social challenges.
Ogba commended the women for their sacrifices in supporting their families, particularly amid the prevailing economic challenges.
She stressed that providing women with access to quality education, entrepreneurial opportunities, skills acquisition and other forms of support would strengthen their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the development of Abia State.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Aba North Local Government Area, Mr. Timothy Iheke, announced that 10 women from the local government would benefit from a monthly skills training programme.
The Mayor said the initiative was designed to empower women economically, equip them with practical skills and create opportunities for them to become self-reliant.
He explained that the programme would be extended across the various communities, with beneficiaries selected from each ward to ensure wider participation.
“We want to take everybody forward. We want to make sure that everybody is working and empowered,” he said.
