Invest in Women, Transform Communities — Otti’s Wife Charges Abia Women

The Wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has urged women to go beyond building physical structures by investing in people, businesses, skills and other women to secure a better future for families and communities.

Mrs. Otti, who spoke through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Ease of Doing Business and Secretary of the Abia State Ease of Doing Business Council, Hon. Barr. Agbonma Jennifer Ukaobasi, gave the charge during the 2026 August Meeting of the women of Eziama/Mgbaja Autonomous Community, Ossah Ibeku.

She described the celebration as a commemoration of women’s sacrifices, resilience, service and enduring legacy, while commending the women for their initiative to raise ₦25 million towards the completion of a six-flat ultra-modern apartment and the expansion of their skills acquisition programme.

According to her, the project was more than a fundraising effort, describing it as an investment in dignity, opportunity, self-reliance and the future of women. She urged the women to “build people, confidence, businesses and skills,” stressing that empowering a woman strengthens a family, inspires a generation and transforms an entire community.

She also congratulated the elderly women being honoured under the traditional Igboto-Ogu retirement ceremony, describing the tradition as a symbol of sacrifice, service, commitment and transition to a new phase of life.

Speaking at the event, the member representing Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, described women as pillars of development in every community and expressed support for the women’s apartment and skills acquisition project.

Aguocha also highlighted his advocacy for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying he had continued to serve as a voice for the Igbo in the National Assembly. He urged constituents to support his re-election in 2027 for continuity and quality representation.

The Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmeregini, said women remained at the forefront of development in communities, Nigeria and Africa.

Nmeregini noted that the people of Ossah Ibeku had benefited from the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, particularly through the government’s response to erosion challenges in the area.

He urged the people to replicate their 2023 support for Governor Otti in 2027 to sustain the administration’s development programmes.

The Chairman of the occasion, Comrade Pedro Nnaemeka Nnodimele, represented by High Chief Stanley Okoroafor, described women as indispensable to society and commended the innovation behind the women’s project.

He said the initiative would contribute to the development of the community and deserved the support of all stakeholders. He also underscored the importance of August Meeting in community development, noting that the annual gathering had helped many communities in the South-East empower women, execute development projects and raise women of substance in leadership.

Earlier, the National President of the Women of Eziama/Mgbaja Autonomous Community, Ossah Ibeku, Lady Queen N Ochiabuto, said the 2026 Women’s Conference and Igboto-Ogu celebration was organised to honour elderly women who had dedicated their lives to the service and development of the community.

Ochiabuto said 11 women aged 75 years and above would be formally retired from active community service and presented with retirement certificates, Awards of Honour and special gifts in recognition of their years of selfless service. She appealed to their families to continue caring for the retirees with love, dignity and respect.

She also appealed to sons, daughters and well-wishers to support the women’s ₦25 million fundraising initiative for the completion of the six-flat apartment and skills acquisition project, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of the community.

In his vote of thanks, the traditional ruler of Eziama/Mgbaja Autonomous Community, Ossah Ibeku, Eze Chiabuotu Emelike, described the celebration as unique and memorable, thanking guests for their presence and urging the women to make next year’s edition even more impactful.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of retirement certificates and gift items to the 11 retiring women.

Among dignitaries present were Hon. Obi Aguocha; Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmeregini; Executive Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Smart Iheoma; General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Hon. Kingsley Agomoh; former Chairman of the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, Prof. Udochukwu Ogbonna; former Mayor of Umuahia North LGA, Sir Princewill Ikechukwu Ukaegbu; and other notable guests.