Women-in-Agriculture must get no less than 60% of N2 billion loan, Gov. Otti directs

Prescilla Otti, the wife of Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, has tasked Abia women to acquire new skills, innovate in business, and step into leadership positions, stating that when women thrive, families flourish, communities prosper, and societies advance.

She issued the charge yesterday during the 3rd edition of the annual Abia Women Delegates Conference (AWADEC) held at the International Conference Center (ICC), Umuahia, the state capital, which was themed “Abia Women: United In Strength, Empowered For Purpose.”

Governor Otti, in his goodwill address, commended Abia women for offering themselves and resources in the collective push to build a prosperous and peaceful society, and for making remarkable contributions to the growth of society and sacrifices to better families and society at large.

Expressing appreciation to the women for their prayers and support, which he said played significant roles in the emergence of the new Abia under his administration, the governor assured that he will continue to give women the opportunity and platforms to contribute to the political, economic, and social development of the state as trustworthy partners and go-getters.

He announced and directed that women in agriculture must at least form 60% of beneficiaries of the two (2) billion naira allocated to support community-based cooperative societies, which, he noted, have the goal of empowering women and mothers economically.

Various women groups and organisations from the state’s 17 councils participated in the fanfare-packed conference, which had corporate sponsorships from Nigeria Breweries (NB), Flour Mills of Nigeria, NIVEA, among others, who also commended Mrs. Otti for sustaining the annual AWADEC and presented goodwill messages.

NB, in its goodwill message delivered by the Corporate Affairs Manager – South, Mr. Eze Ekele, commended the vision of Mrs. Otti in championing women empowerment, social cohesion, and community advancement.

Ekele said, “As a responsible corporate citizen, Nigerian Breweries Plc remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote gender inclusion, cultural heritage, and economic empowerment, and with Amstel Malta, we’ll continue to support you to be the best at whatever you do.”

NB further commended Governor Otti “for relentlessly giving Abians the dividends of good leadership that enable us, indeed, to be enjoying a breath of fresh air.”

While commending her husband for “consistently standing with the women of Abia—financially, morally, and with commitment to their empowerment,” Mrs. Otti said that these actions are inspiring and exemplary. She added, “As First Lady, I reaffirm commitment to expanding skills acquisition programmes, supporting girls’ education, empowering farmers, and providing care for widows, the elderly, persons with disabilities, survivors of gender-based violence, and vulnerable children.

“Today, we commit to financially empowering 340 women—20 from each LGA. These women will grow their trades, farms, and enterprises, ensuring food on the table and dignity in their homes. Because when women thrive, families flourish, communities prosper, and societies advance.”

According to her, Governor Otti “is an unstoppable, performing Governor of Abia State, has lifted Abia from the doldrums and placed her on the world map,” and as we rise in business and leadership, we women should also build strong homes—places of love, dignity, and support, as the family is the bedrock of our state’s prosperity.”

She announced that in support of the event, the Chinese Consulate donated food items, namely: rice, garri, oil, sugar, noodles, milk, spaghetti, and tomato paste; Dangote Group: 10,000 bags of rice; MTN Nigeria: umbrellas and branded items; National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Abia Tricycle & Motorcycle Operators: 300 wrappers.

Other donors were Nigerian Breweries—100 packs of Amstel Malt, Flour Mills of Nigeria, the lead sponsors of today’s cooking and makeup competitions, and NIVEA, which presented a health and hygiene lecture.