Tag: Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti

Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti has extended financial support to female petty traders in Umuahia South and Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Areas of the state, respectively.

The women who personally received the cash support from Abia First Lady, our correspondent reports, were petty traders at Afor Ibeji and Eketa markets.

She also reached out to traders within her immediate surroundings, bringing relief to those who rely on daily sales for their livelihoods.

She personally visited the markets, handing cash support directly to the traders.

The gesture came as a pleasant surprise to the women, leaving them encouraged and deeply appreciative of her thoughtfulness.

According to the First Lady, “Today is a very special day. Upon realizing that today is the International Day of Charity, I decided to use this opportunity to extend the spirit of charity to our petty traders, the women with small tables and stalls, not the big shop owners. These are the lifeblood of our markets, and they deserve to be remembered and supported.”

She also encouraged the traders to be prudent in their business, stressing the importance of careful management of their resources to grow their enterprises sustainably.

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She said, “I urge you to make wise decisions with this support. Plan your business carefully, save where you can, and reinvest in ways that will help your businesses thrive. Your hard work and prudence will determine how far you can go.”

The First Lady further commended the governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex C. Otti, for providing about one billion naira in nano grants to small business owners across the state, describing them as the lifewire of the society.

She assured that she would continue to shine light on the paths of Abians, especially vulnerable groups, through initiatives that uplift families, strengthen small businesses, and drive inclusive development across Abia State.

Appreciating her benevolence, Mrs. Ijeoma Godwin, a nursing mother and young widow, passionately praised the First Lady for coming to support them.

According to her, she had prayed that morning for God’s intervention as her husband, the family breadwinner, had recently been buried and her business capital was gradually being depleted to provide for her children.

In tears, she prayed that God would continue to help and the First Lady and her husband for always putting Abians first.

Abia’s First Lady and President of the Safe Tent Care Initiative, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has empowered 54 young women with vocational skills, business starter packs, and cash grants.

The event, the Skill Up Abia Women Graduation and Empowerment Ceremony, celebrated the first cohort of beneficiaries aged 15 to 35, who successfully completed three months of intensive training in catering, pastry-making, food production, and event decoration. 

The curriculum also included business management, psychosocial support, and entrepreneurial development.

Conceived and personally championed by Mrs. Otti, the Skill Up Abia Women programme targets vulnerable and underserved women, providing them with high-demand, income-generating skills aimed at breaking cycles of poverty, fostering economic independence, and restoring dignity.

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In her keynote address, Abia’s First Lady described skills acquisition as “a gateway to dignity, financial independence, and protection from vulnerability,” urging the graduates to see themselves as innovators and community leaders.

“You are no longer just learners — you are entrepreneurs, creators, and community builders. You now hold the power to shape your own destiny,” she told the graduates.

Each participant received a complete start-up kit — including an oven, gas burner, utensils, and essential ingredients — along with a ₦200,000 grant to launch or expand their businesses.

Otti also announced continued mentorship, access to business advisory services, and inclusion in the Safe Tent Care empowerment network.

Highlighting the programme’s transformative impact, she recounted the journey of a graduate who, as a survivor of gender-based violence, rebuilt her life through the training. “With the right support, skills, and mindset, nothing is impossible,” she affirmed.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Ananaba Favour and Miss Agu Chioma expressed heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady for her “motherly love” and belief in their potential, noting that she had empowered them without even knowing them personally.

In her welcome remarks, Hon. Vivian Obilor, Director of Vivdak Catering and Events Institute and Deputy Chairman of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, praised Mrs. Otti’s swift approval of the programme proposal submitted in October 2024.

She revealed that the 54 beneficiaries were selected from over 500 applicants through a rigorous and transparent process.

“Your days of asking for ‘urgent 2k’ are over,” Obilor told the graduates. “You are now financially independent, skilled entrepreneurs ready to create your own success stories.”

Chief (Mrs.) Ifeoma Thomas, Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Alleviation, described the Safe Tent Care Initiative as a non-profit dedicated to providing safe, supportive spaces for women, girls, and children to gain the skills and resources they need to thrive.

Goodwill messages were delivered by senior government officials, including Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Dr. (Mrs.) Maureen Ijeoma Aghukwa, Commissioner for Women Affairs; and Mrs. Blessing Ngozi Felix, Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection.

The ceremony drew a distinguished audience, including the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Adaeze Chidera Emetu; Prince (Sir) Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information; wives of local government chairmen; traditional rulers; and prominent business leaders such as Chief Jerry O. Kalu, Ikemba Aliche Oti, and Prince Aham Ikonne.