Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has congratulated women across the state on the successful conclusion of the 2026 Abia Women August Delegates Conference (AWADEC), describing women as the foundation of every strong family and indispensable partners in the development of the state.
Governor Otti spoke at the grand finale of the 2026 AWADEC held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to giving women a prominent role in the socio-economic transformation of the New Abia.
The Governor stressed that women play a central role in building stable families and communities, noting that no meaningful development can be achieved without recognising and supporting their contributions.
“Women are the bedrock of the family,” Governor Otti said, adding that his administration would continue to take the welfare, empowerment and advancement of women seriously.
Otti Urges Abia Women to Guide Their Children Away From Crime
Governor Otti also called on mothers and women across the state to remain focused on their responsibilities, especially in guiding their children away from crime, cultism, dangerous gangs and other activities that could destroy their future.
According to him, proper upbringing and close parental attention remain essential to raising responsible children and building peaceful communities.
The Governor noted that mothers have a particularly important role in monitoring the growth and behaviour of their children, stressing that children are more likely to develop positively when women remain actively involved in their upbringing.
He urged Abia women to remain resolute and committed to building strong families that would contribute positively to the peace, security and progress of the state.
Governor Commends Wife, Priscilla Otti, for Supporting Vulnerable Women
Governor Otti used the occasion to commend his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for her interventions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable women in Abia State.
He highlighted several initiatives associated with the First Lady, including the provision of housing support for 35 vulnerable women and the Safe Tent Care Initiative, which provides assistance to women engaged in business and other productive ventures.
The Governor said such interventions complement the broader efforts of the Abia State Government to create opportunities and improve the welfare of women and families across the state.
Priscilla Otti Calls for Sustainable Businesses and Women’s Empowerment
In her address, the wife of the Governor called on Abia women to embrace available opportunities, acquire relevant skills and build sustainable businesses that would enable them to become active contributors to the state’s economic development.
Mrs. Otti described the 2026 August Meetings held across the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State as impactful, noting that the programmes provided practical support in areas including economic empowerment, skills acquisition, assistance for petty traders and farmers, as well as interventions for widows and vulnerable women.
She emphasised that genuine empowerment must go beyond temporary assistance and address the underlying causes of vulnerability.
According to her, women need access to opportunities, protection, practical tools and sustainable support systems that will enable them to build more secure and independent lives.
Mrs. Otti also highlighted the significance of providing a decent home for the mother of a survivor of gender-based violence, describing the intervention as an example of the need to tackle vulnerability from its roots.
Thrive Business Challenge Supports Abia Women Entrepreneurs
The First Lady further explained that the Thrive Business Challenge was created to encourage women to establish structured, viable and sustainable enterprises.
She announced that participants who did not make the final 10 in the competition would receive a token of ₦50,000 each, while finalists would receive productive assets and business support grants to strengthen and expand their businesses.
Mrs. Otti commended Governor Alex Otti for creating an enabling environment for women and girls to thrive and called on women to continue supporting the development agenda of the state.
She urged them to see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of development but as active participants and contributors to the transformation of Abia State.
Women Affairs Commissioner Highlights Role of August Meeting
Earlier, the Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, called on women to maximise the traditional August Meeting platform as a tool for promoting economic empowerment, education, healthcare, social protection, community development and leadership.
She maintained that the transformation of Abia State cannot be complete without the full participation and contribution of women.
The Commissioner disclosed that the theme of the 2026 Abia Women August Delegates Conference is “Abia Women Empowered to Thrive.”
She described women as critical stakeholders in the development of the state and encouraged them to move beyond survival towards sustainable economic and personal advancement.
Dr. Aghukwa also commended Governor Otti for policies and initiatives aimed at creating better opportunities for women and girls, including interventions connected with the Nigeria for Women Project.
MOUAU Vice Chancellor Urges Women to Embrace Opportunities
Delivering the keynote address titled “Abia Women Empowered to Thrive,” the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, encouraged women across Abia State to embrace opportunities and deliberately pursue personal and economic growth.
Professor Akanwa stressed that thriving is a continuous process rather than a final destination.
She said women must be willing to develop new skills, take responsibility for their lives and actively pursue opportunities capable of improving their circumstances.
The Vice Chancellor noted that the administration of Governor Alex Otti has demonstrated confidence in the capacity and potential of Abia women.
She further urged women to take ownership of their responsibilities and contribute actively to peace and stability within their homes and communities.
According to her, women should not wait passively for opportunities but should take deliberate action to create better futures for themselves and their families.
Abia Government Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Development
The 2026 AWADEC grand finale provided another platform for the Abia State Government to reaffirm its commitment to women’s empowerment, family welfare, entrepreneurship and inclusive development.
Governor Otti’s message and the various empowerment initiatives highlighted at the event reflect the growing emphasis on ensuring that women play an active role in the development of the New Abia.
As Abia continues its transformation agenda, the state government maintains that empowering women, strengthening families and supporting sustainable businesses will remain important pillars for building a more prosperous and inclusive society.
The central message of the 2026 August Meeting was clear: Abia women are not only beneficiaries of development but essential partners and active architects of the state’s future.
Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
August 28, 2026
