Priscilla Otti: Abia Infrastructure Investments Will Empower Women, Boost Local Economy

The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has said the state government’s investments in roads, healthcare and other infrastructure are aimed at creating an enabling environment for women to thrive economically and improve the wellbeing of their families.

Mrs. Otti stated this at the 2026 August Meeting of women in Umuahia South Local Government Area, the final stop in her statewide tour of August Meetings.

Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, she said the theme of the meeting, “Women of Abia: Empowered to Thrive,” was particularly relevant to Umuahia South, where farming and trading are major sources of livelihood.

She explained that true empowerment goes beyond giving women financial assistance, stressing that government must also provide the infrastructure and opportunities needed for women to turn their efforts into sustainable livelihoods.

“To truly empower a woman is to do more than place money in her hands. It is to create the conditions in which the work of her hands can flourish and produce lasting results.”

According to her, good roads are important to farmers because they connect farms to markets, while traders need accessible and supportive business environments. She added that mothers also need access to quality healthcare without unnecessary delays.

Mrs. Otti highlighted the dualisation of the 5.95-kilometre Onu-Imo Bridge–Abia Tower Road and the construction of the 6.92-kilometre Umuopara Ring Road. She said the projects would reduce travel time and transportation costs while improving connections between communities, farms and markets.

“Roads are pathways to opportunity for our women,” she said.

She commended Governor Alex Otti for what she described as deliberate investments in projects that directly improve the lives and economic prospects of women across the state.

Mrs. Otti also said her office was complementing the administration’s efforts through its Safe Tent Care Initiative, which provides grants, skills acquisition and other forms of support to women in small businesses, particularly vulnerable women.

She added that rural women farmers were receiving fertilisers and other agricultural inputs to improve their productivity.

“When you strengthen the woman who feeds the nation, you strengthen the nation itself,” she said.

The governor’s wife urged women in Umuahia South to remain politically vigilant ahead of the 2027 elections and exercise their democratic rights wisely to ensure continuity of the administration’s development agenda.

The wife of the Mayor of Umuahia South, Mrs. Jemillat Enwere Uzo, commended Governor Otti and Mrs. Priscilla Otti for their commitment to women, children and families.

She urged women to take advantage of government programmes, develop their skills, support one another and embrace productivity, stressing that empowered women would contribute significantly to stronger families and prosperous communities.

Mrs. Enwere Uzo also pledged the continued support of the local government administration for programmes aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and skills development.

Also speaking, the Mayor of Umuahia South, Engr. Chinedu Enwere Uzo, described the event as a colourful celebration and a testament to the impact of Governor Otti’s administration in the area.

He assured the governor of the continued support of the people of Umuahia South, saying the local government would “go beyond what we have done before” in supporting the administration.

The event featured a march-past, cultural dances, drama, cultural displays and sensitisation on women’s health.

By Chibunna Ikeokwu

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