The Wife of Abia State Governor, Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has intensified efforts toward grassroots development with the rollout of the Ahiaoma Market Women Economic Empowerment Programme under her Safe Tent Care Initiative.
Unveiled in Umuahia, the programme combines direct financial support with structured capacity-building to improve the economic standing of women across the state. Each beneficiary will receive a ₦100,000 grant, alongside training delivered through the Sustainable Household and Youth Development Initiative.
Mrs. Otti described women’s empowerment as both a social obligation and a catalyst for economic growth, noting that women play a central role in strengthening families and communities. She emphasized that the initiative is not limited to financial aid but is designed to promote long-term stability through financial literacy, mentorship, and enterprise support.
According to her, the Safe Tent Care Initiative adopts a holistic model that integrates access to capital with social protection, healthcare awareness, and security support. This approach ensures that beneficiaries are not only funded but also equipped with the right systems to succeed.
In the first phase, 200 women from different sectors across Abia State were selected to benefit from the programme. In addition to grants, participants will receive business development guidance and skills training aimed at building sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative aligns with the broader economic vision of Governor Alex Otti, which prioritizes inclusive growth, human capital development, and improved living standards for citizens, particularly at the grassroots level.
Mrs. Otti also announced plans for an upcoming Agri-Market Reform Initiative focused on enhancing storage infrastructure, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving market access for women farmers.
Strategic partnerships form a key pillar of the programme. Collaborations with Signature Bank and the Bank of Industry will provide beneficiaries with financial education, enterprise support, and access to funding opportunities. The goal, she explained, is to help women transition from small-scale trading to structured and sustainable businesses.
During the event, financial expert Jonathan Obiloye of Signature Bank encouraged participants to adopt disciplined financial practices, including proper record keeping and savings culture, while avoiding get-rich-quick schemes. Similarly, Rose Ako of the Bank of Industry stressed the importance of maintaining active bank accounts and credible financial histories to access loans. She also disclosed a ₦4 billion matching fund initiative in partnership with the state government to support small businesses.
Other stakeholders, including government officials and community leaders, praised the programme for directly addressing the needs of market women.
The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Ngozi Felix, reiterated the administration’s commitment to reducing poverty, while the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Maureen Aghukwa, described the initiative as a transformative step toward long-term economic empowerment.
The event featured the symbolic presentation of grant cheques and financial literacy sessions covering budgeting, savings, investment, and business growth strategies.
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Through the Safe Tent Care Initiative, Mrs. Otti is establishing a sustainable framework that goes beyond short-term assistance, creating lasting opportunities for women and contributing to inclusive development across Abia State.
