The 2026 Abia Women August Meeting has ended in grand style, with cultural displays, dance, march-past and women’s health sensitisation highlighting a week long programme focused on empowerment across the state’s 17 local government areas.
Speaking at the grand finale in Umuahia, the wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, called for a shift from short term interventions to sustainable programmes that would enable women to build lasting livelihoods.
Mrs. Otti said the 2026 programme delivered practical interventions, including skills acquisition, business start-up support, assistance to farmers and petty traders, relief materials, and support for widows and vulnerable women.
She highlighted the provision of a decent home for the mother of a survivor of gender-based violence, describing it as an example of empowerment that addresses the root causes of vulnerability.
“Poverty, inadequate shelter, lack of economic opportunity and exposure to exploitation can reinforce one another,” she said.
Mrs. Otti also highlighted the Thrive Business Challenge, which provides women with business management support, assistance with business registration and access to affordable financing opportunities.
She urged beneficiaries to treat the support as an investment capable of growing their businesses, increasing their income and creating jobs.
In her opening address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, called for increased female participation in governance and economic decision-making.
She challenged women to shift their focus from asking what the government can do for them, to what they can achieve in partnership with the government.
“Let us build an Abia where women move from survival to sustainability, from micro-enterprise to thriving businesses, and from dependence to economic independence,” Dr. Aghukwa urged.
Keynote Speaker Prof. Ursula Akanwa, traced the conference’s goals, noting that the 2025 theme, “United in Strength, Empowered for Purpose,” laid the groundwork for collective action.
The 2026 theme, she explained, is the culmination of a four year journey and a declaration of confidence in Abia women’s ability to turn current economic challenges into opportunities for growth.
Meanwhile, Governor Alex Otti, who graced the occasion commended Abia women for their resilience and praised the Abia First Lady for her support for vulnerable women.
He disclosed that 35 vulnerable women had benefited from the state government’s housing intervention, expressing optimism that more beneficiaries would be reached as the programme expands.
The governor described women as the bedrock of the family and stressed their critical role in raising responsible children and building stronger communities.
However, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka commended the efforts of Governor Otti and wife for supporting Abia women to maximise their potential and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
Mrs. Nwaka also praised the efforts of partner organisations and individuals for their role in the success of this year’s August Meeting and urged Abia women to continue to thrive.
