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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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“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

New Tax Laws : Abia Clarifies Reforms as Otti Supports Returnees, Unveils 35th Anniversary Programme

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17 hours ago

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August 20, 2026

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The Abia State Government has clarified that ongoing reforms in tax administration are not an increase in taxes, but measures to make collection more transparent, automated and taxpayer-friendly.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this  at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Dr. Alex Otti.

“Automation is not a tax increase. Transparency is not a tax increase. Closing revenue leakages is not a tax increase,” Prince Kanu stated.

He said the reforms, in line with existing tax laws and the new national tax framework, are designed to eliminate multiple collections, arbitrary practices and revenue leakages.

The Commissioner stressed that there has been no increase in PAYE, land taxes, vehicle licence fees or Tax Clearance Certificate charges, noting that the State Board of Internal Revenue cannot unilaterally alter tax rates without legislation.

Dr. Emmanuel Okpechi, Special Adviser on IGR, said the new consolidated demand notice for businesses will harmonise charges and stop multiple agency harassments.
“Instead of multiple people coming to harass you, you pay at one point and you are cleared,” he said.

The Executive Chairman of the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Uche Elekwachi, also reiterated that the Board is only enforcing existing laws and improving compliance.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, said the clarification became necessary following claims by some opposition figures alleging tax increases.

Governor Otti has also approved the immediate disbursement of ₦1 million each to 31 verified Abia returnees from South Africa as interim support for resettlement.

Prince Kanu said the gesture is to provide immediate relief and reassure the returnees that government has not abandoned them. He added that a comprehensive profiling is ongoing to determine their needs for proper reintegration programmes.

The Governor has  directed the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection to investigate if more Abians are still stranded in South Africa for possible assistance.

To mark Abia’s 35th anniversary, government has unveiled a week-long programme starting Sunday, August 23, 2026

Aug 23: Interdenominational thanksgiving service at Michael Okpara Square Event Centre, Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal, Umuahia
-Aug 25: Commissioning of completed projects and flag-off of new ones across the state by Governor Otti
-Aug 26 : Youth Innovation Day with hackathon and technology exhibition
Aug 27 : State broadcast by Governor Otti and anniversary keynote lecture on Abia’s development trajectory

Prince Kanu said the anniversary will provide opportunity to reflect on 35 years of progress and renew commitment to a more prosperous Abia.

The Council also joined in commemorating the 85th birthday of former military administrator, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

 

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BURNING ISSUE

Abia State Celebrates 35 Years With Project Commissioning, Healthcare Expansion, Technology -Driven  Services 

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1 week ago

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August 12, 2026

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As Abia State prepares to mark its 35th anniversary, the administration of Governor Alex Otti has unveiled a fresh package of interventions spanning healthcare, housing, infrastructure, human capital development and technology, reaffirming its resolve to mark the milestone with projects that deliver tangible benefits to residents rather than ceremonies alone.

The decisions were announced following the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Otti.This include the deployment of technology to track high-risk pregnancies, the expansion of functional Primary Healthcare Centres, recruitment of additional healthcare professionals, rehabilitation of housing estates and the development of a new pocket housing scheme in Umuahia.

The administration said the 35th anniversary would be used to commission completed projects and flag off new ones across the State, describing the approach as a deliberate departure from the traditional celebration of state anniversaries through ceremonies and awards.
Governor Otti’s administration maintained that the best way to celebrate Abia is by delivering projects that improve the lives of its people.

At the centre of the healthcare interventions is Cytrack, a locally developed digital application being piloted by the Ministry of Health to identify and monitor high-risk pregnancies across the State.
The technology is particularly designed to support teenage pregnancies, women without supervised antenatal care and expectant mothers at risk of delivering without skilled birth attendants.

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Cytrack captures essential demographic and pregnancy information, including age and last menstrual period, enabling health officials to determine expected delivery dates, monitor antenatal appointments and maintain contact with pregnant women throughout pregnancy and delivery.
The application also sends reminders to pregnant women, while responsible adults in communities can help ensure that high-risk expectant mothers attend scheduled antenatal appointments.

The technology has already been used by health workers to monitor several teenage pregnancies and facilitate safe deliveries at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, providing a practical demonstration of how digital innovation can be deployed to address real healthcare challenges.

The State Government also announced that Abia has emerged as Nigeria’s number one state in healthcare affordability and among the top three states in healthcare quality, according to the latest Philips Consulting State Performance Index.
Abia was also reported as the only state to achieve top-three positions in 13 of 16 indicators of good governance based on citizens’ perception, reinforcing the administration’s claim of measurable progress across multiple sectors.

At the grassroots level, the first 50 functionalised Primary Healthcare Centres accounted for more than 20 per cent of the over 1.067 million outpatient visits recorded across the State between July 2025 and June 2026.
With three additional PHCs functionalised between July 27 and August 10, the number of functionalised Primary Healthcare Centres in Abia has now risen to 151.

Similarly, enrolment in the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme increased from 233,000 to 237,000 beneficiaries between July 27 and August 7, 2026.
The administration also commended the Abiriba Community Improvement Union, North America Chapter, for pledging to sponsor 1,000 indigent persons under the State Health Insurance Scheme, urging other communities and organisations to emulate the initiative.
The State recorded no outbreak of major public-health diseases during the period under review, including Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, diphtheria, cholera, mpox and yellow fever.

To strengthen the healthcare workforce, the State Civil Service Commission is commencing another round of recruitment of medical professionals.
The exercise follows the employment of 742 medical personnel by the Otti administration so far.
The new recruitment will focus on medical officers, dental officers and consultants, including full-time and part-time consultants, with the application portal scheduled to open on Monday night, August 10.

Beyond healthcare, the State Executive Council has directed the Ministry of Housing to sanitise and rehabilitate the World Bank Housing Estate at Abayi Umuocham, Aba, following concerns over the deteriorating condition of the estate.
The intervention will cover roads and other infrastructure, alongside remedial works aimed at restoring the estate and improving the living environment of residents.
An inspection of the estate revealed various forms of misuse and neglect, including street trading and farming along estate roads.


The government said the rehabilitation would include road improvements and street lighting, while activities contributing to the deterioration of the estate, particularly trading and farming along roads, would no longer be tolerated.

The Ministry of Housing will also collaborate with the Ministry of Works to undertake rainy-season maintenance works at Amaoba Housing Estate, Umuahia, pending the permanent reconstruction of the estate roads.
The State Government has equally provided a new transformer to alleviate electricity challenges confronting residents of the estate.

The proposed Pocket Housing Layout in Umuahia is also progressing, with the State planning to provide different categories of quality residential accommodation.
The scheme will comprise detached five-bedroom houses with boys’ quarters, semi-detached houses, and two- and three-bedroom blocks of flats.
Registration of intending subscribers will commence through an Expression of Interest process, followed by the opening of a dedicated payment portal.

The government said the scheme would operate on a transparent, first-come, first-served basis, with an off-plan payment structure requiring 30 per cent at the commencement of construction, 40 per cent around the midpoint and the remaining 30 per cent upon completion.
Contractors are expected to mobilise to site within the next week, with the government targeting completion within the next few months after flag-off.
The first occupants are expected to take possession of the houses by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

As Abia marks 35 years of state creation, the Otti administration said the anniversary would serve as a platform for commissioning completed projects and flagging off new ones across the State.
Rather than focusing primarily on celebrations, the government said the occasion would demonstrate the transformation taking place across Abia through investments in healthcare, housing, infrastructure, human capital development and technology-driven public services.
The administration said the emerging picture is that of a “New Abia” being built through practical interventions capable of delivering measurable value to the people.
The projects and reforms, it added, reflect Governor Otti’s determination to build a healthier, better-planned, more prosperous and more liveable Abia, while using the State’s 35th anniversary to demonstrate that development is best celebrated through tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.

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CAPACITY BUILDING

Governor Otti Flags Off 2026 Zonal Traditional Rulers’ Capacity Buildi⁠ng Workshop In Abia Central 

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2 weeks ago

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August 9, 2026

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The Abia State Government has flagged off the 2026 Zonal Traditional Rulers’ Capacity Building Workshop for Abia Central Senatorial Zone, as part of efforts to strengthen traditional institutions for peace, security and grassroots development.

Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, declared the workshop open on Thursday, July 6, 2026 at the Umuahia North LGA Headquarters. He was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu.

 

The Governor said the workshop was designed to equip royal fathers with modern tools for conflict resolution, administrative leadership and community development.

“We are not gathering traditional rulers just to have you in one place. Our core objective is to awaken the responsibility consciousness of our traditional rulers and connect the timeless wisdom of our community leadership heritage with the evolving demands of modern governance,” Gov. Otti stated.

He described traditional rulers as _”the first line of defence in community peace, stability and development” and urged them to make effective use of the training.

The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in collaboration with the 17 Local Government Councils, has the theme: “Strengthening Traditional Institutions for Peace, Security, Inclusive Governance and Sustainable Community Development in Abia State.”

Giving an overview, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lady Oge Maduka, said the programme seeks to strengthen leadership capacity, reinforce cultural custodianship, and provide a platform for exchange of ideas to address modern challenges at the grassroots.

Speaking for participants, the Traditional Ruler of Ọrọ-Ibere Autonomous Community, Eze Dr. Stanley Ijenwa, commended Governor Otti for the initiative. He described the workshop as timely and urged that it be sustained, assuring that traditional rulers will implement the lessons learnt to enhance peace and security in their domains.

The zonal workshop is the first in the series scheduled for the three senatorial zones in the state and featured paper presentations by resource persons.

 

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