Abia State Releases Bold Women Empowerment Drive, Targets Economic Inclusion, Justice, And Political Participation
Women from across Abia State converged at the International Conference Centre Umuahia in a vibrant display of unity and resolve as the state marked International Women’s Day with far-reaching commitments to economic empowerment, social protection, and access to justice.
The 2027 celebration, themed “Give to Gain: Invest More and Gain More,” brought together government officials, judicial officers, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, faith based organisations and grassroots women in a policy-driven engagement aimed at advancing gender inclusion and sustainable development.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Wife of the Governor, Priscilla Chidinma Otti, the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Adaeze Chidera Emetu, underscored the central role of women in societal progress, describing them as pillars of family stability, economic productivity, and community development.
She stressed that while women remain indispensable to development, many still grapple with structural barriers including limited access to finance and exposure to socio-economic vulnerabilities.
“Empowerment is not optional; it is essential,” she declared, noting that the Abia State Government is “moving beyond rhetoric to practical, measurable interventions.”
Highlighting ongoing and planned interventions, the First Lady’s office announced a multi-layered empowerment strategy targeting women across different economic strata. These include:
Support for 200 indigent female farmers with fertilisers and agricultural inputs
Financial grants of ₦100,000 each to petty traders to boost small businesses
Training of 200 women in vocational skills such as fashion, food processing, hairdressing, and crafts under the Safe Tent Care Initiative in partnership with the National Directorate of Employment
Provision of starter packs to enable immediate income generation.
A major highlight is the launch of the Ahiaoma Programme, a strategic initiative designed to uplift women at the base of the economic pyramid through funding, financial literacy, and market access. The programme is expected to benefit 1,000 women in phases.
The administration also acknowledged the impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative led by Oluremi Tinubu, noting that its interventions have significantly improved livelihoods for women across the state.
Beyond economic measures, the state reinforced its commitment to protecting women’s rights with the establishment of the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre at the General Hospital Aba. The centre provides integrated medical, psychosocial, and legal support for survivors of gender-based violence.
Mrs. Otti called on women to register to vote, mobilise their households and communities, and support credible female candidates at all levels.
“Women must not only be voters but decision-makers. If you are not at the table, you risk being on the menu,” she cautioned.
In her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Maureen Aghukwa, described the theme as “timely and profound,” emphasizing that meaningful progress requires deliberate investment in women.
She drew attention to the sub-theme, “Access to Justice for Our Women and Girls,” noting that justice remains a critical but often inaccessible right for many due to cultural, economic, and systemic barriers.
“We must ensure that every woman and girl knows her rights, can speak without fear, and has access to institutions that will uphold those rights,” she said.
A strong political message resonated throughout the event, with speakers urging women to actively participate in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event also spotlighted the growing inclusion of women in governance within Abia State, citing appointments of women into key positions including Accountant General, Chief Justice, and a significant number of Permanent Secretaries.
Speakers referenced the historic Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, urging contemporary women to draw inspiration from the courage and unity displayed by their predecessors in demanding justice and equity.
Keynote speaker Dr. Ezinne Otuaka and legal expert , Chief Magistrate Enyidiya Uma Onwunta reinforced the economic and legal dimensions of women’s empowerment, while the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Becky Ogechi Oguama, commended stakeholders for sustaining advocacy efforts.
Participants collectively emphasised that the commemoration must go beyond celebration to sustained action, calling for stronger partnerships across government, private sector, and civil society.
Organisers noted that the event served as both a celebration and a strategic platform to advance inclusive governance, economic resilience, and gender equality in alignment with global development goals.
With ongoing initiatives such as the Nigeria for Women Project scale-up, cooperative loans targeting women, and support for local industries like Akwete weaving, Abia State is positioning women at the centre of its development agenda.
As the event concluded, one message stood clear: investing in women is not just a moral imperative,it is a strategic pathway to societal transformation.
“When women rise, Abia rises.”
