International Women’s Day:Otti Describes Nigerian Women As Epitome Of Grace, Knowledge, Strength

Dr. Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, has described Nigerian women as the epitome of grace, knowledge, beauty, and strength, who have accomplished so much in various aspects of life around the world.
In a message of congratulations to Nigerian women on International Women’s Day, Friday, March 8, 2024, Gov Otti stated that the country, and indeed the world, owes them a debt of gratitude for their contributions to ensuring global economic, social, and political development.
Otti praised the women for their resilience and devotion to duty, not only at home but also in the workplace and society as a whole, according to Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. This, according to the Governor, has occurred despite numerous challenges imposed by nature and society.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s IWD, “Inspire Inclusion,” the Governor stated that his government has been deliberate in empowering women through increased budgetary allocation to various sectors that have direct implications for the welfare and well-being of women and girls, as well as the appointment of women to strategic positions in government.
“In Abia State, our administration is highly gender sensitive, as evidenced by the increased number of women appointed to the State Executive Council as well as Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government.
“It is worth noting that women hold key positions in health, education, agriculture, and poverty alleviation on the State Executive Council, and 17 of the state’s 24 Permanent Secretaries are women. This is the first time the state civil service has done something like this.
“Our administration has also demonstrated commitment in the payment of counterpart funds for Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), a project that seeks to support improved livelihoods for women in targeted areas of Abia and Nigeria, by influencing social norms related to gender equality, promoting social inclusion, and establishing institutional platforms that improve women’s access to critical life, business, and technical skills,” Governor Otti enumerated in a statement.
The Governor also stated that he has already given his approval for the state to begin immediately disbursing funds at zero interest to women entrepreneurs and other operators of small and micro businesses in rural areas through the state’s cooperative programme.
“This fulfils our campaign promise to empower our women to build their businesses at the grassroots level and contribute to the creation of wealth across the state.” “At least 50 people per ward are expected to receive N100,000 each,” he revealed.
Governor Otti used the occasion of International Women’s Day to thank all Abia women, including his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, for their support, and faith in him as Governor, and for entrusting Abia State’s leadership to his government.