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A MISSION TO INSPIRE AND BUILD THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOMEN LEADERS

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2 years ago

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Protocols

“Whatever you give to a woman, she will receive it, multiply it and give it back to you” Dr. Myles Munroe

1. There is a new awakening to the unique capacity of women to offer quality leadership within institutions, taking bold initiatives in pursuit of outcomes that set new benchmarks of excellence, innovation and value creation. It is not for nothing that we are seeing an exponential rise in the number of women occupying very senior positions in public and corporate establishments in Nigeria and across the world. It is no longer an exaggeration to say that when trained and offered a level-playing field, our women and girls are as capable of outstanding performance in all fields of human endeavours as their male counterparts.

2. On account of the exceptional performance of women in positions of leadership, a new hunger has emerged amongst parents and institutions to train and expand the capacity of our women in order to make them competitive and ready for higher responsibilities. We are currently seeing an exponential rise in the number of women pursuing advanced degrees, empowering themselves through training and exposure to new learning opportunities and actually doing better than men in some areas.

3. Supporting women to achieve their full potential is a rational economic decision, but most importantly, it is a fool-proof formula for improving societal realities on very important frontiers including sciences, medicine, finance, sports and as everyone here can readily testify, law. It is now beyond dispute that the enduring prosperity of any society in the modern world is extensively dependent on the scope of opportunities offered women to dream, work hard and become the best they can be.

4. On this note distinguished ladies and gentlemen, learned men and women, let me formally welcome the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, and her entourage to the South East Zonal Workshop of the National Association of Women Judges Nigeria (NAWJN) taking place here in our beloved State capital Umuahia. I want to thank the organisers of this event for choosing Umuahia as the host city for this very important workshop in the South East region. Let me use this opportunity to congratulate Justice Kekere-Ekun on her appointment as the second female CJN two months ago. I may not be familiar with the criteria that informed the choice of Umuahia but I am very certain that there could not have been a better place to host an event of this significance. For starters, it will be tough to find any other state in the region where there are as many women in critical positions of public sector service as we have in Abia.

5. As the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai, can tell you, we are very deliberate in empowering and assigning important portfolios to women. Because we understand how reform-minded and efficient women can be, especially with very lean resources, our administration’s bold initiatives for the tertiary education sector, health, Civil service, Poverty Alleviation and financial management are being driven by competent and result-oriented women. Here in Abia, we are not just appointing and empowering women for optics, we are running on the conviction that women are less prone to procedural abuses and managerial recklessness and are therefore better suited to achieve the governance outcomes that we seek across multiple strategic frontiers.

6. You have done the right thing by coming to Abia where women are pivotal to the developmental vision of the administration. Our philosophy of recognising women as major governance stakeholders leans into the awareness that Abia is historically, the home of brave and productive women who will never accept to be inferior in the scheme of things. It may be important to remind us that this is the place of the famous Aba Women Uprising of 1929 where our mothers from various parts of the region converged in Aba to resist the designs of the colonial authorities that they found unfriendly to their economic and social prosperity. With the events of 1929 etched firmly in the minds of many, anyone who finds himself in position of authority is always careful not to attract the ire of our women in their policy choices.

7. Beyond the capacity of our women to resist situations that are skewed against them, Abia women have also achieved the distinction of being very committed and resourceful in their assignments in the home and elsewhere. Our women are remarkable for the immense sacrifices they make for their families and society because they see beyond their personal needs. They are often happiest when they are offering helping hands, not minding whether they are dealing with familiar faces or total strangers. From the famous Ariaria International Market to several formal establishments in our urban centres and in the interior farmlands in remote communities, women who live in Abia State consistently work hard to achieve remarkable things and support the ones they love because for them, success is not defined by gender.

8. The theme of this workshop, “Breaking Leadership Barriers for Women in the Legal Profession,” invites us to come together and shatter the glass ceilings that limit the ascendency of women in leadership positions in the legal profession in our country. This project could not have come at a better time because presently, we have a very distinguished woman in the person of Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun, GCON, occupying the exalted position of Chief Justice of Nigeria. I can make bold to say that we have a golden opportunity to look into the entire architecture of the legal system in the country and identify policies, practices and conventions that even when well-intended, can become very strong obstacles to the rise of women in the profession. My expectation is that at the end of this workshop, we must have identified clear-cut measures that will make it easier for highly qualified women in the system to progressively climb and ultimately reach the zenith of their careers like the CJN, and our own chief judge here in the State, as well as other senior officials from different parts of the country that are presently seated in this auditorium.

9. In the pursuit of our noble objective which seeks to offer a level-playing field for women in the legal system, it may be important to remind us that our guiding criteria at all times should be competence. We must never sacrifice the capacity to understand and interpret the letters and the spirit of the law for anything. With your permission, I would like to add that sound mental disposition and robust knowledge of the evolution and emerging dynamics of legal practices across the globe must take precedence over filial relationships. The leadership positions in the legal system must be protected from the corrosion of politics because justice, excellence and long-standing ethics of the profession will be compromised when leadership positions in the legal system become objects of privileges that the political elites dispense at will to whomsoever they wish. My recommendation would be to evolve ways of building the capacity of women in the profession to enable them stand out in the industry, staying beyond reproach in the discharge of their duties.

10. We shall not get everything right in one day but we must start the process of building a legal system that inspires women, especially the young ones to dream. It is gratifying to observe that these nationwide workshops present fantastic opportunities to share ideas and listen to each other, hear the experiences of the professionals in the industry and identify what can be done in the medium to long term to bring more women to the decision-making table. I am of the considered opinion that much of the problems we are battling with in the system will drastically reduce if we have more women calling the shots because although women are known for being compassionate, they also have immense willpower to take decisions that many men would dare not contemplate. They are also less-brazen and more meticulous, staying faithful to the truth of the constitution and the ethics of the profession in their assignments.

11. As a State, we are very willing to support the actualisation of the aims of this project. My position is that the world will be better when women are supported, empowered and given the platform to do exploits. We shall be open to working with whoever is available and ready to lead this campaign here in the State. May I please invite the coordinators to remain focused and consistent in driving this project across all parts of the country. I will be fulfilled to see more women joining the distinguished CJN and Hon Justice Abai at the summit of the legal profession. My expectation is that these amazons will inspire more women and girls to demand more from themselves and appreciate that every girl has all it takes to break new grounds and conquer bigger territories in their chosen fields of practice.

12. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, permit me to now formally declare this workshop put together by the National Association of Women Judges Nigeria for the South East region open to the glory of God. Thank you for coming and may God bless you all.

Dr Alex C. Otti, OFR,
25/10/2-24

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NEWS

Abia Begins Payment Of Gratuities For Retirees, Clears 2001–2010 And Underway For The Next Batch Covering 2011 To 2025 Arrears

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4 days ago

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September 16, 2026

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The Abia State Government has commenced payment of outstanding gratuities owed retired workers, with beneficiaries covering the period 2001 to 2010 already paid, while preparations are underway for the next batch covering 2011 to 2025, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, has announced.
Kanu disclosed this while briefing the public on key decisions and developments arising from the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR.
He said the phased payment was necessary because of the substantial financial resources required to settle the accumulated liabilities inherited from previous administrations.


According to him, the government remains committed to clearing the outstanding gratuity obligations, adding that the process could be concluded earlier than anticipated as verification and payment procedures continue.
The Commissioner also clarified that the inclusion of gratuity provisions in the State’s 2026–2031 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and subsequent annual budgets does not imply that gratuity payments will end in 2031.
Rather, he explained, the provision is intended to ensure that gratuity obligations are systematically funded going forward and prevent the accumulation of fresh arrears.
Kanu assured that as internal verification continues, eligible beneficiaries will receive their payments in batches in line with the established process.
He said the development was part of the administration’s broader commitment to workers’ welfare, accountability and sustainable management of the State’s finances.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the State Executive Council had approved several measures covering heritage preservation, tourism, taxation, infrastructure, digital transformation, international partnerships and economic development.
On heritage and tourism, Kanu said the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker in Umuahia, as well as Government College, Umuahia, had been designated State Monuments, while Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu and Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Bende Local Government Area, were designated State Natural Monuments.
He said the designations would help preserve Abia’s historical and cultural assets, promote tourism and position the sites for wider national and international recognition, including potential UNESCO Heritage Site status.


He also announced the designation of Aba as a Creative and Innovative City, citing its longstanding commercial, industrial and creative significance.
According to him, the retrofitting of the Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum is about 80 per cent complete and is expected to be concluded before the end of 2026.
The State Government has equally commenced work on the Ibom Waterfall Tourism Corridor, including the grading of access roads, while monuments are being erected at strategic locations across the State, including one honouring the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women’s Riot.
On taxation, Kanu dismissed reports of new excessive tax rates introduced by the present administration, explaining that most of the rates being referenced date back to 2020 and were established under the previous administration.
He specifically described as false reports that akara sellers are required to pay ₦50,000 in taxes, stating that they instead pay applicable daily tolls of between ₦300 and ₦350.
The Commissioner also announced that Abia would host the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Johnny Baxter, on September 16 and 17, 2026, for engagements on power, trade, transportation, education, digital transformation and governance.
He said the visit would feature the flag-off of the SPRIRET Initiative, a UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office-funded programme aimed at promoting digital inclusion at no cost to the State.
On infrastructure, Kanu disclosed that the Ministry of Works currently has 44 direct-labour road projects across the State, while the 1.5-kilometre Jaja Wachuku Road in Isiala Ngwa North LGA has been completed, becoming the latest completed project among the 26 ongoing contract road projects.

He said the administration remained focused on building a more prosperous, organised and investment-friendly Abia through sustained infrastructure delivery, improved citizens’ welfare, heritage preservation, economic expansion and stronger international partnerships.

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ECONOMY

Abia To Host British Deputy High Commissioner, Also Flag Off Digital Inclusion Initiative

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4 days ago

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September 16, 2026

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The Abia State Government will host the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Johnny Baxter, in a visit expected to strengthen cooperation between the State and the United Kingdom in key areas of development.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing the public on major decisions and developments arising from the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR.

According to Kanu, the Deputy High Commissioner’s engagements will focus on power, trade and commerce, transportation, education, digital transformation and governance, with the visit providing an opportunity to showcase the transformation taking place across Abia.
A major highlight of the visit will be the flag-off of the SPRIRET Initiative, a UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office-funded programme designed to promote digital inclusion in the State at no cost to the Abia State Government.

The Commissioner said the initiative builds on the Digital Access Programme, through which more than 1,500 Abia civil servants were trained in 2024.
During the visit, Baxter is expected to pay a courtesy call on Governor Otti and tour strategic projects and institutions, including the Geometric Power Plant, Ariaria International Market in Aba, Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia, the Solar Project and the Ubakala Smart School Project.

He will also engage stakeholders in security, politics, civil society and the media.
Kanu said the visit further strengthens the growing relationship between Abia State and the United Kingdom, while providing another platform to attract partnerships and investment opportunities to the State.
He added that the development formed part of the administration’s broader efforts to position Abia as a more digitally connected, investment-friendly and economically competitive State.

Meanwhile, on workers’ welfare, the Commissioner announced that the State Government has commenced payment of outstanding gratuities owed retired workers, with payments covering 2001–2010 already made and preparations underway for the next batch covering 2011–2025.
He explained that the payments were being made in batches because of the substantial financial resources required to settle the accumulated liabilities, assuring that the government remained committed to clearing the outstanding obligations.

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BURNING ISSUE

Abia Intensifies Malaria Fight, Targets Single-Digit Prevalence With 3.03m Insecticide Treated Nets

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2 weeks ago

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September 8, 2026

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The Abia State Government has intensified its fight against malaria, announcing plans to distribute 3,030,000 insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state this September, as part of a renewed strategy to reduce malaria infections and prevent malaria-related deaths.

This was announced by the Commissioner for Information ,Prince Okey Kanu during a press briefing after EXCO chaired by the Governor at the Government House, Umuahia, Abia State.

The intervention, being implemented in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme, comes against the backdrop of encouraging progress in malaria control in the state. Malaria prevalence in Abia declined from 16 per cent in 2024 to 11 per cent in 2025, below the national average of about 15.2 per cent.

The state government, however, said it would not rest on the progress recorded, setting a target of reducing malaria prevalence by another five percentage points and bringing it into single digits.
The government disclosed this as part of its latest update on developments across the state, stressing that the malaria intervention would be complemented by larval source management, identification of malaria hotspots and sustained public awareness campaigns.

It noted that the mass ITN distribution was particularly significant because Abia had not conducted a mass distribution exercise since 2010.
Residents were also urged to support the campaign by maintaining clean surroundings, eliminating stagnant water and removing potential mosquito breeding sites.

In another major healthcare intervention, the state government said its Community Supported Health Insurance Programme was gaining momentum, with the formal launch of the scheme for Abiriba Community scheduled for September 16, 2026.
Through the support of the Abiriba Improvement Union, 1,000 members of the community will be enrolled in the health insurance programme at ₦18,000 per person, representing an initial investment of ₦18 million.

The government encouraged other community development unions across the state to emulate the initiative by supporting the enrolment of their members in the health insurance programme.
It further disclosed that the recruitment portal for additional medical personnel remains open for medical consultants, medical officers and dental officers, as part of efforts to strengthen manpower in healthcare facilities across the state.

The government also reported that no cases of diseases of public health importance were recorded in the state within the period under review.

Beyond healthcare, the government announced plans to commence construction of a 200-metre road extension from Bende Road Junction by Umuwaya and the Post Office Tower, through the railway crossing to First Bank and the Akanu Ibiam Road axis.


The project follows a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Abia State Government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, with design and scoping activities already underway.
Renovation and retrofitting works have also commenced on an existing structure within the railway station to facilitate the relocation of the police post, while the abandoned road linking First Bank to Keystone, FCMB and other banks in the area will be reconstructed.

On flood control, the Emede-Ibeku Flood Control Programme has recorded substantial progress, with site clearing completed, piling about 90 per cent completed, and drainage excavation and construction approximately 80 per cent completed.
The Umuahia Capital Development Authority has also identified structurally defective buildings within Umuahia, with affected structures sealed as a precautionary measure to avert possible loss of lives.

The Abia Green Shuttle Bus Service has continued to attract strong patronage. During the free-ridership period from December 2025 to February 2026, the service conveyed 196,950 passengers.
Since the commencement of commercial operations in March, an additional 303,834 passengers used the service through August 2026, bringing total patronage since the launch of the scheme to 560,784 passengers.
The government said the figures reflected growing public confidence in the state’s transport services.

The state also highlighted its performance in the 2026 BudgIT State of States Report, covering 2017–2025.
According to the report, Abia ranked second in aggregate revenue growth, third in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) growth, first in total expenditure growth, first in capital expenditure growth and first in personnel expenditure growth, while maintaining comparatively contained overhead expenditure.
The government said the assessment demonstrated its commitment to prudent and strategic management of public resources while expanding investments in infrastructure and human development.
It added that the assessment was consistent with the findings of the Phillips Consulting State Performance Index, which identified Abia as one of Nigeria’s fastest-improving states.


The administration said its priority remained the delivery of tangible improvements in the lives of Abia residents rather than competition with other states, adding that it would continue to implement reforms and investments across healthcare, transportation, flood control, infrastructure, education, governance and fiscal management.

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