The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to empowering women in Ugwunagbo through agriculture, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and financial support.
Mrs. Otti stated this during the 2026 August Meeting of women in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, where she described the women as hardworking, resilient and enterprising.
Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, who conveyed the regards of Governor Alex Otti, she said Ugwunagbo occupies an important position in the economic life of Abia State.
According to her, agriculture remains central to the local economy, with farmers supplying food and other agricultural produce to Aba, Port Harcourt and other urban centres. She added that small businesses also play a significant role in supporting families and driving local economic activities.
Mrs. Otti noted that women are at the heart of these activities, combining farming, trading, entrepreneurship and family responsibilities.
She said the theme of the 2026 August Meeting, “Women of Abia, Empowered to Thrive,” highlights the need to provide women with the tools, resources and opportunities required to turn their efforts into sustainable livelihoods.
The Governor’s wife also highlighted the importance of infrastructure to economic development, noting that the construction of Port Harcourt Road and Ohanku Road had improved the movement of farm produce from Ugwunagbo to Aba and other markets.
She disclosed that agriculture remains one of her major priorities, citing the recent distribution of fertilisers to rural women farmers across the state through the government’s Farmers Support Programme.
Beyond agriculture, Mrs. Otti said her office was expanding opportunities for women through practical skills acquisition and start-up support under the Safe Tent Care Initiative. She added that the Ahiaoma Women Economic Empowerment Programme provides grants to strengthen small businesses.
In her remarks, the wife of the mayor, Lady Ifeoma Wagbara, said the August Meeting had gone beyond being a mere gathering of women, describing it as a demonstration of women’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to community development when given the necessary support.
She commended the administration of Governor Otti for its support for women, as well as the complementary efforts of the First Lady to ensure that women are not left behind in the state’s development agenda.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, Mr. Chiemela Wagbara, described the gathering as a testament to the strength, resilience and unity of women, whom he described as pillars of their homes.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, urged women to prioritise their wellbeing and take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the Alex Otti administration to develop their skills, businesses and potential.
