… Abia Secures ₦2 Billion Boost For Akwete Women

The visit of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, to Abia State has reinforced the importance of strong collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments in promoting economic empowerment, cultural preservation and inclusive national development.

In a landmark visit to Akwete, Ukwa East Local Government Area, the Nation’s First Lady joined Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, on an inspection tour of the famous Akwete Weaving Cooperative Society, where she interacted with master weavers and witnessed the centuries-old weaving tradition that has earned Akwete international recognition.

The visit, which culminated in a grand civic reception attended by government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, women and youth groups, stakeholders and residents, underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering local industries, preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and supporting women-led enterprises under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a major highlight of the visit, Senator Oluremi Tinubu announced a ₦2 billion intervention fund to support the empowerment of women engaged in Akwete cloth production, describing the indigenous fabric as a priceless national heritage deserving greater recognition and patronage.
She urged Nigerians, particularly people of the South-East, to promote and proudly wear Akwete fabric just as other regions celebrate their indigenous textiles.

“I am here to announce to all Nigerians that Akwete belongs to the nation. It is a beautiful fabric that deserves to be modernised and promoted. On my own, I am donating Two Billion Naira to support this project,” the First Lady declared.
She disclosed that her interest in Akwete cloth was sparked after watching a documentary on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), adding that she had long desired to visit the weaving community.

The First Lady further pledged to wear Akwete attire during her husband’s second term, emphasizing that preserving indigenous culture remains vital to Nigeria’s identity.
Describing Governor Alex Otti as “a good man,” Senator Tinubu commended him for transforming what was intended to be a private visit into a historic celebration of culture and national unity.

Governor Alex Otti, while welcoming the First Lady, described her visit as a watershed moment for Abia State and the Akwete weaving community.
According to him, the visit represents a strategic Federal endorsement of the State Government’s ongoing efforts to reposition Akwete as a globally competitive textile brand capable of creating jobs, expanding exports and empowering women.

Governor Otti revealed that his administration began revitalising the Akwete weaving industry shortly after assuming office in 2023, stressing that the Federal Government’s support would accelerate the vision of transforming Akwete into a thriving production hub.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the bold economic reforms initiated by the Federal Government, particularly the removal of petroleum subsidy and the floating of the naira. He noted that the policies have increased revenue available to federal, state and local governments for developmental projects.

The Governor also pledged the readiness of the Abia State Government to partner with the First Lady in establishing a modern production hub that would strengthen the capacity of Akwete women and preserve the ancient craft for future generations.

Earlier, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, described the visit as historic, noting that it was the first time a Nigerian First Lady had personally visited Akwete to support its women weavers.

She praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for delivering practical social investment programmes that continue to uplift women, small businesses and vulnerable groups across the country.

Goodwill messages from Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Sampson Ogah, and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe, highlighted the economic and cultural significance of the Federal Government’s intervention.
They commended both the First Lady of Nigeria and the First Lady of Abia State for drawing national attention to Akwete cloth and called for the establishment of a world-class weaving and production centre to boost exports, tourism and employment.

The event also featured the conferment of the prestigious chieftaincy title “Ugo Nwanyi of Abia” (The Pride of Womanhood) on Senator Oluremi Tinubu in recognition of her exceptional commitment to women empowerment, national unity and the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

The historic visit is widely regarded as a significant milestone in strengthening Federal-State cooperation and advancing the shared vision of economic diversification, women empowerment, cultural renaissance and sustainable development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government and the transformational development agenda of the Abia State Government.

…. Receives Massive 2027 Endorsement From Imo Indigenes In Abia

Governor Alex Otti has directed the immediate calculation and payment of entitlements to workers disengaged between 2011 and 2012, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to justice, fairness and inclusive governance.

Responding to an appeal for the recall of workers disengaged between 2011 and 2012, the Governor explained that many of those affected have now reached retirement age and may no longer be able to return to active service.

He therefore directed that their outstanding entitlements be computed and paid without delay. According to him, the directive applies to all affected workers irrespective of their state of origin, noting that similar payments had already commenced for eligible beneficiaries following verification exercises.

This is a testament to the sincerity of  his administration as thousands of Imo indigenes resident in Abia State gathered in Aba to endorse him for a second term in 2027, citing his transformational leadership, infrastructural renewal, improved security and people-centred policies.

The endorsement came during a grand civic reception organised by Ndi Imo in Abia on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in honour of Governor Otti and his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti. The event attracted Imo indigenes from all the 27 Local Government Areas resident in Abia State.
Addressing the gathering at the pavilion of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Governor Otti assured residents that his administration would continue to implement policies that benefit everyone irrespective of state of origin, reiterating that there is no discrimination based on origin under his government.

The Governor thanked the Imo community for the overwhelming show of love and solidarity, particularly in honour of his wife, who hails from Mbaise in Imo State. He assured them that his administration’s achievements over the last three years represent only the beginning of greater developments to come.
“This is just the beginning. We have been here for just three years. By the grace of God, in the next five years, you will see even greater things. Once you have found your feet, there is no going back to Egypt. We will continue to develop and do better,” Governor Otti declared.

Governor Otti also appreciated the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Perry Opara, for identifying with the event. He assured him that Imo indigenes living in Abia enjoy equal rights, security and opportunities as citizens of the state.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Uzodimma, Chief Perry Opara described the massive turnout as evidence of the cordial relationship between Imo residents and the Abia State Government. He noted that Governor Otti, whose wife is from Imo State, has continued to carry every resident along in governance and urged the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chibuike Achigbu; Chairman of the Steering Committee, Chief MacDonald; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ndi Imo in Abia, Chief Boniface Mbachu, represented by Chief James Odocha; National President of South East Town Unions, Chief Emeka Diwe; Labour Party Zonal Women Leader for Abia South, Mrs. Lilian Ezenobi; the State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW); and the Founder of the Local Boys Movement, Abia State Chapter, Comrade Chukwuma Azode, unanimously endorsed Governor Otti for a second term in office.

They applauded his visionary leadership and transformational achievements in infrastructure, security, stable electricity, economic development and good governance, describing his administration as one that has restored hope and confidence among residents. They also praised the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, describing her as a worthy daughter of Imo State whose support has continued to strengthen the Governor’s success.

Delivering the vote of thanks, an Imo indigene and Commissioner in the Abia State Local Government Service Commission, Chief G.C. Duru, reaffirmed the unassuming support of Imo residents for Governor Otti’s re-election in 2027.

Speaking with journalists, Dr. Ikechukwu Ijemba, a Board of Trustees member of Ndi Imo in Aba and proprietor of Chris Mary Hotel, said Governor Otti’s administration has provided appointments for qualified sons and daughters of the community while transforming the state’s infrastructure, electricity supply and security architecture. He said these achievements informed their overwhelming endorsement.

Other stakeholders, including the Leader of Echezona Street Vanguard, Mr. Michael Aniorji; Managing Director of Kingswell Hospital, Aba, Dr. Ugochukwu Okoro; Chairman of Ngwa Market, Chief Ejim Munachimso; and broadcaster, M.C. Ifeanyi Ahanaihu of Magic FM, described the current administration as the most impactful since the return of democracy.

They likened Governor Otti’s developmental strides to those of the late Governor Sam Mbakwe and expressed confidence that history would remember him for positively transforming Abia State.
Several coordinators of Ndi Imo across the various Local Government Areas, including Ambassador Cosmos Ukata (Oru East), Barr. Uche Anyaiam (Nkwere), Mr. Chinedu Okere (Ngor Okpala), Mr. Augustine Opara (Aboh Mbaise), Mr. Frank Onuoha (Ahiazu Mbaise), Mr. Christian Orumadu and Chief Ferdinand Onuoha (Njaba), also commended the remarkable pace of development across Abia State. They noted that increasing property values, improved infrastructure and enhanced security clearly demonstrate that the state is on a new trajectory of growth.

They further disclosed that many eligible members of the Imo community resident in Abia have obtained or transferred their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to Abia State, expressing their determination to support Governor Otti’s re-election bid in 2027.
The colourful event featured cultural displays, traditional dances and masquerade performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Imo State, adding glamour to the celebration of unity, inclusiveness and transformational governance in Abia State.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has disclosed that it has trained over 1,000 teachers on health and education, engaged more than 700 community and religious leaders on health, education and HIV awareness, and worked with over 300 schools in Abia State since the launch of the Abia First Education Initiative.
The revelation was made when the Head of Office and Country Representative of UNESCO to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Jean-Paul Ngome-Abiaga, led a delegation to the office of the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, where he also commended the Governor for his administration’s strong commitment to education reforms.

Dr. Ngome-Abiaga praised the Governor’s leadership since assuming office in 2023, noting that the results of his policies are already visible, particularly in the education sector.
“Your Excellency, let me first commend you for the work you have started since 2023. We have seen the results,” he said.
He acknowledged that although UNESCO’s mandate covers education, science, culture, communication and information, the organisation was particularly impressed by the priority given to education by the Abia State Government.

According to him, the decision of the Governor to allocate 20 percent of the state budget to education demonstrates a strong commitment to human capital development.
“We know the importance and place of education in your agenda. We know that you have dedicated 20 percent of the budget of the State to education and we would like to really congratulate you for that,” he added.
Dr. Ngome-Abiaga further expressed UNESCO’s willingness to deepen partnership with the Abia State Government in key sectors including education and health, assuring that the organisation would continue to provide technical expertise to support the Governor’s development agenda.

Also speaking during the visit, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, introduced the Africa Social Impact Summit to the Governor and invited him to attend the upcoming conference scheduled for July as a guest of honour.
She explained that the summit, which partners with the United Nations, was established after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022 to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through partnerships, impact investment and policy advocacy.
According to her, the platform has already unlocked over 100 million dollars in development investments by fostering collaboration across the public sector, private sector and development organisations.

Responding, Governor Alex Otti appreciated the delegation for the visit and described UNESCO and its partners as valuable collaborators in the state’s development efforts.
He noted that their request for deeper collaboration in education, health funding and the reduction of out-of-school children aligns with the priorities of his administration.
“What you came with is a request that no one can say no to — partnership, support to reduce the number of out-of-school children, asking that more money be allocated to health and education. Those are good and they are imperative for a government that is serious,” the Governor said.

Governor Otti also announced that the Computer Based Test (CBT) for the second batch of teachers’ recruitment would be conducted next week for about 24,000 successful applicants shortlisted for the examination.
He highlighted key achievements of his administration in the education sector, including the implementation of free and compulsory education, massive renovation of schools, recruitment of 5,394 teachers, training of educators and improved remuneration for teachers.

The Governor further disclosed that his administration has consistently allocated 20 percent of the state budget to education and 15 percent to health, amounting to a combined 35 percent investment in critical human development sectors.
Present during the visit were the Commissioner for Basic Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi; Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Mathew Ekwuruibe; Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba; Commissioner for Science and Technology, Engr. David Kalu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu; and the Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, Lady Lydia Onuoha, among other senior government officials.