The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has described women in Bende Local Government Area as key contributors to the state’s agricultural development, food security and economic growth.
Mrs. Otti stated this during the 2026 August Meeting of women in Bende, where she said the annual gathering was an opportunity for women to celebrate their achievements, reflect on the past and work towards a better future for their families and communities.
Represented by the Chairman of the Board of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ezinne Kalu, Mrs. Otti conveyed the best wishes of Governor Alex Otti to the women.
She described Bende as a land of enterprise and resilience, noting that agriculture remains central to the livelihood of its people.
According to her, Bende is one of Abia’s major rice-producing areas and makes significant contributions to the state’s food supply and economic development, with women playing important roles across the agricultural value chain.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 August Meeting, “Women of Abia, Empowered to Thrive,” Mrs. Otti said true empowerment was not only about what government gives women, but also about creating opportunities that enable them to become economically independent and successful.
She said empowerment should help women make the most of their efforts, expand their businesses, support their families and turn their aspirations into reality.
Mrs. Otti said the impact of government should be measured not only by physical infrastructure but also by the improvements such projects bring to the lives and livelihoods of citizens.
She cited ongoing road projects in and around Bende as examples of infrastructure investments designed to create more economic opportunities.
According to her, improved roads would make it easier to transport agricultural produce from farms to markets, reduce transportation difficulties for traders, improve connections among communities and create a stronger foundation for commerce, investment and economic growth.
The governor’s wife stressed the need for government to complement infrastructure development by strengthening systems that would enable women and other citizens to take full advantage of emerging economic opportunities.
Also speaking, the wife of the Bende Local Government Mayor, Mrs. Geraldine Uwabunkeonye, commended Mrs. Otti for her contributions to women’s empowerment across the state.
She described women as the backbone of families and communities, noting that they continue to raise children, support their husbands, run businesses, work on farms and in markets, and contribute to community development despite difficult circumstances.
She said the time had come for Abia women to move beyond survival and work towards sustainable prosperity.
In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa; the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; and the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, commended the women of Bende for their impressive turnout.
They encouraged the women to take advantage of the empowerment and development programmes of the Otti administration and support the government’s initiatives.
They also urged the women to reciprocate the administration’s efforts by supporting Governor Otti in the 2027 election.
