IWD: Otti’s wife advocates investment in women 

IWD: Otti’s wife advocates investment in women

* Vows to lead fight against drug abuse among girls

* Promises to empower baby factory victims

 

By Steve Oko

The wife of Abia State Government, Mrs Priscilla Otti, has advocated investment in women and girls, arguing that “when a woman is empowered, the entire society is empowered “.

Mrs Otti who made the advocacy while speaking at this year’s International Women’s Day celebration held at the International Conference Centre Umuahia, vowed to pursue advancement of Abia women and girls.

The Abia First Lady, also promised to rehabilitate and victims of baby factory in the state, while vowing to prosecute the perpetrators of the menace as well as child traffickers.

 

This is as she vowed to lead the fight against drug abuse among girls and young women in the state.

Giving the theme for this year’s celebration as: ” Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress”, the Abia First Lady,

said that”investing in women is a catalyst for societal advancement, fostering economic growth, innovation, and social development.”

 

“By channelling resources into education, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities for women, we empower them to contribute fully to the workforce and community”, she added.

 

According to the Governor’s wife, “women ultimately make better leaders in companies and institutions that require prudence.”

 

She said that investments in the education of women and the girl child translate into improved literacy rates and enhanced skills.

“Supporting women-led businesses stimulates economic activity, creating jobs and fostering sustainable development. Investing in female leadership also promotes a more inclusive decision-making process, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered.”

 

She further said that beyond economics, “investing in women addresses broader societal issues, such as gender-based discrimination and inequality”

 

” As women thrive and succeed, our societies and communities will prosper. This will break the cycle of poverty and foster a better world for everyone”, Mrs Otti said.

 

The Governor’s wife said her husband had much regard for Abia women as no fewer than four women were appointment Commissioners with sensitive ministries in his administration.

 

“Governor Alex Otti understands that women’s voices must be heard. By empowering women to take on leadership roles, we are not only breaking barriers but also setting a powerful example for future generations”.

 

“As the First Lady of Abia State, I am proud to be part of a government that is committed to advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls; and I recommit to working tirelessly towards a future where gender equality is not just a distant dream but a tangible reality for all”, she added.

 

She said part of the reasons her husband decided to prioritize education was to ensure that “every girl in Abia has access to quality education, free from discrimination and prejudice.”

 

Mrs Otti announced that the current crackdown on baby factory and child trafficking was beginning to yield results.

 

“We are battling headlong the incidences of gender abuse and significantly the numbers are diminishing as we tackle child traffickers and body merchants who were deemed untouchable before.

 

” We have some cases in state high court which we are assured will bring about justice against the perpetrators and restitution for victims and survivors.”

 

“The first thing we did immediately we assumed office was to burst a baby factory in Isialangwa, rescued the girls, took care of them while we reunited them with their families. Few weeks ago, we also broke a child trafficking syndicate which specializes in bringing children from Benue state.

 

“As we speak, those children have been reunited with their families in Benue while the offenders are facing the law. We are also dealing with some pockets of gender-based violence issues here and there.”

 

The Governor’s wife announced special support for a virtually impaired woman she spotted producing perfume.

 

” Recently, during my meeting with persons with disabilities, where we provided them with palliatives to cushion the effect of the current economic hardship, we discovered a visually impaired lady who could produce perfumes. I was so excited to see her breaking barriers of visual impediment. Let me share this cheering good news with us that we have plans to rebrand her products and market them internationally.”

 

She disclosed that her husband had approved the disbursement of cash for cooperatives for our women to do business and agriculture.

 

“This is part of his efforts to help cushion the effect of the current economic situation in our country”, she said.

 

She enjoined Abia girls to see the current Miss Nigeria, Queen Chidera Nelson, from Abia as an inspiration that nothing is impossible.

 

The Governor’s wife called for collaboration in the fight against drug abuse especially among young girls.

 

“I need to let you know that I have recently taken up a battle against drug abuse in Abia State, and I invite you all to join me in this fight.

 

“My findings show that an increasing number of young women, especially senior high school and undergraduates, are deeply involved in consumption and use of hard drugs.

 

“These are young women who would become future mothers, leaders, and homemakers. We need to rescue them from this debilitating lifestyle, and we must do it together.

 

“I urge you as mothers to pay closer attention to what your children are doing. The kind of drugs that are consumed today are a lot more scientifically developed to be more addictive and harmful. A lot of them are odorless and smokeless, and therefore more difficult to detect.”

 

The Abia First Lady who advocated gender equality, called for an end to marginalisation against women.

 

“I urge all of us to rededicate ourselves to the cause of gender equality with renewed determination and vigor. Let us pledge to challenge the status quo, dismantle harmful stereotypes, and create a world where every woman and girl can thrive and fulfill her potential.

 

“Let us propel our government, public and private institutions, community, and religious organizations to invest in women in order to accelerate progress.”

 

Earlier in her speech, the Keynote Speaker and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU, Professor Mrs Elechi Asawala, called for sensitisation of women farmers on new innovations in farming.

 

She advised Government to engage women in sciences and research to help educate rural women on new trends in agriculture for better yields.

 

The event was massively attended by women from across the state.

 

 

Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria.

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