Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s high regard for women, describing them as not only family cohesionists but also high performers in various endeavours.

Governor Otti spoke yesterday at Obuohia Obi-Ibere community in Ikwuano Local Government Area during the annual 2026 32nd August Meeting of the Women’s Wing of the Obuohia Obi-Ibere Development Union (ODU), led by Pastor Dame Chinyere Onuigbo as President-General.

Dame Onuigbo, a retired Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, served and led the rural community for a total of 21 years, beginning as National Coordinator of the Women’s Wing for 11 years before her elevation to President-General, a position she held for another 10 years.

During the meeting, the community showered encomiums on Dame Princess Onuigbo, wife of Rt Hon Sam Onuigbo, the former two-term member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and current member representing the South-East in the North East Development Commission.

Governor Otti, who was represented by the Mayor of Ikwuano, Dr Anthony Nwaubani, said Abia women had proved to be pivotal to the development of society.

He said, “Our women rarely abandon projects they embark upon or withdraw their support for any cause they believe in without justifiable reasons. They also do not shirk their responsibilities as mothers and in the upbringing of children.”

According to the Mayor, the present Abia State administration holds women in high regard and has prioritised the provision of healthcare facilities as well as the empowerment of women and youths.

He urged other communities in the state to emulate the Obuohia Obi-Ibere women by initiating development projects through their annual August meetings.

The governor also commended Pastor Dame Chinyere Onuigbo for the developmental strides recorded under her leadership, particularly the rehabilitation of the community hall, which is slated to serve as a skills acquisition centre.

Recall that Governor Otti had commissioned some of the projects facilitated by Dame Onuigbo’s administration.
In her address, Dame Onuigbo said she assumed office with a bold vision to rebuild, empower and elevate the community, adding that the unwavering support of the people enabled her administration to turn the vision into reality.

“Together, and in collaboration with our illustrious sons and daughters in the diaspora, we have achieved milestones that will benefit generations to come,” she said.

She, however, stressed the need for proper and close supervision at all levels to ensure that the projects and achievements continue to benefit future generations.

Dame Onuigbo disclosed that she registered the union at the local government and state levels, saying the move formally institutionalised its operations and activities.

She listed other achievements of her leadership to include infrastructure development, growth in the union’s finances and membership, youth and educational empowerment, among others.

According to her, the administration also faced several hurdles and challenges, including the outbreak of COVID-19, internal disagreements and periods of severe resource constraints.

“Through these challenges, we learned that a community’s true power does not lie in the absence of difficulties, but in its ability to unite and overcome them together,” she said.

Appreciating her husband and other individuals and groups for their contributions to her success, Dame Onuigbo urged the ODU Men’s Wing, led by Mazi Chiedozie Atuma Uzuegbu, the youths and other stakeholders not to become complacent over past victories and accomplishments.

“As we move into the future, I call on the ODU Men’s Wing, ably led by Mazi Chiedozie Atuma Uzuegbu, the youths, and all and sundry not to be complacent with our past victories and accomplishments.