Priscilla C Otti

Yesterday at King Koko Square, Nembe, Bayelsa State, I represented my husband at the funeral of a statesman, His Excellency, Chief {Rtd} Navy Captain Walter Aye Feghabo-Amain, FSS, MSS, psc{+}, who passed at the age of 68. A distinguished naval officer and patriot, he served Nigeria with honour. As Military Administrator of Ebonyi and Delta States, he governed with vision and is recorded by history as the pioneer Military Administrator of Ebonyi State. Upon his return home, he continued his service to Bayelsa State. As Head Chief of the Amain-Kien-Alagoa-Koki group of War Canoe Chieftaincy Houses of Nembe Kingdom, he led his people with wisdom and dignity. To his wife, Mrs. Ebi Lilian Feghabo, his children, family, and the people of Nembe Kingdom: may God comfort you and grant you strength. May his legacy of discipline and patriotism continue to inspire us all. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Happy International Girls in ICT Day! In Abia, we’re not waiting for the future, we’re preparing our girls for it. Through TechRise, we’re equipping young Abians, especially girls, with digital skills to thrive. This is deliberate. This secures our future. Parents, especially mothers: the digital world has no gender. The same hands that plait hair can design circuits. Support her. Abians, this is our collective task: Make our girls ready for the world, because the world needs what an Abia girl can create.

With the assent of my husband, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, to the Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Law, 2026, Abia has chosen healing over silence. I’m profoundly heartened by this landmark legislation that offers renewed hope to women and girls across our state. It guarantees not only immediate support for survivors, but also structured rehabilitation and reintegration services to enable them rebuild their lives and thrive as full members of society. I thank Hon. Chinwendu Rowland for sponsoring the Bill, the Abia State House of Assembly for its swift passage, and His Excellency for his steadfast commitment to protecting Abia women.

Yesterday, through my foundation, Safe Tent Care Initiative, and in collaboration with my office, we inaugurated the Ahiaoma Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia. In markets across Abia State, we see women who labour with extraordinary diligence each day. Yet too many remain hindered by insufficient capital, weak business structures, and preventable losses. Ahiaoma is our purposeful answer to that void. It is designed as a deliberate and enduring pathway to empowerment. In this first phase, we empowered 200 women, with a firm commitment to reach 1,000 petty traders across Abia State this year. Each beneficiary received a ₦100,000 grant. We also provided trade support kits to foster greater organisation, diligent record-keeping, and enhanced productivity. To invest in a woman is to do more than raise her earnings; it is to fortify homes, secure destinies, and transform communities. I am deeply grateful to my husband, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, and to our stakeholders and partners whose remarkable commitment made this possible.

In collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Abia State Government hosted the inauguration of the Abia State Task Force on Human Trafficking. I was honoured to be part of the occasion and to welcome the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta L. Adamu Bello, OON. Representing my dear husband, the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, formally inaugurated the Task Force. It will be chaired by Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. This Task Force is a weapon for justice, a shield for the vulnerable, and a promise to our children. We know the realities: girls trafficked with false job offers, babies sold from illegal homes, children forced into domestic servitude. These are not rumours. They are families in our communities who suffer in silence. Abia has drawn a line. The Task Force will coordinate prevention, protection, and prosecution, so every report is acted on, every victim is cared for, and every perpetrator is punished. Our state is no longer a corridor for exploitation, but a wall of protection. This battle demands all of us. No single agency can win it alone!

As Chairperson of the Abia State Committee on Gender-Based Violence, I was honoured to join the training on strengthening our state response and referral systems for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia. For two days, we convened not just to learn, but to deepen our resolve and sharpen our response, to better serve every survivor entrusted to our care. We are already witnessing improved alignment among key actors, clearer structures, and renewed commitment across relevant agencies. We are moving beyond discourse to system-building. As I told stakeholders, collaboration is non-negotiable. A broken system protects no one. A coordinated system saves lives, restores dignity, and delivers justice. Abia State remains resolute; survivors here will be protected, supported, and heard. I extend sincere appreciation to the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Blessing Ngozi Felix, and to our partners: International IDEA, implementing agency of the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, and Women Aid Collective (WACOL), a Nigerian NGO dedicated to advancing women and girls’ rights, for their efforts in making this training possible.

I joined my husband, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, to the funeral service of the late Mrs. Ibekwe Chiamaka Joyce, a remarkable woman who departed this life on February 3, 2026, at the age of 46, in Onu Ibina, Igbere, Bende LGA. She was the esteemed wife of Honourable Ibekwe Nnamdi, representative of Bende North State Constituency. Through her association with the wives of our state legislators, I had the honour of knowing her and was impressed by her exemplary devotion to her faith. Indeed, this loss was deeply felt. Her academic achievements and outstanding contributions to education stand as a testament to her profound love for scholarship. I pray for divine comfort and strength for her husband, children, the entire family, and the people of Bende North State Constituency as they navigate this difficult time. May Chiamaka's soul find eternal rest in God’s bosom.

The resurrection of Christ is more than a celebration; it's a reminder that no matter the darkness, there's always light. In the midst of struggles, let's hold on to faith, just as we hold on to each other. Easter teaches us about sacrifice, forgiveness, and the triumph of life over adversity. To everyone celebrating, may this day bring you peace, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. May the love of Christ inspire us to spread kindness, compassion, and understanding. Let's lead with love, nurturing a brighter future for all. Happy Easter!

As we pause in reflection on this Good Friday in Abia State, my heart is filled with gratitude for the boundless love, sacrifice, and redemption that the death of Jesus Christ on the cross represents for us as Christians. It reminds me of the importance of compassion, kindness, and selflessness. Just as Christ gave His life for us, we're called to serve others, lifting the vulnerable, promoting peace, and fostering unity. Let’s draw inspiration from Christ's sacrifice to embody love, forgiveness, and hope. May we find strength in faith, comfort in His promises, and courage in service to others. Let this Good Friday be a moment to reflect on our values, to reach out to those in need, and to spread love and kindness in our communities. Wishing you a blessed Good Friday!

SKILL UP ABIA WOMEN — APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN The Safe Tent Care Initiative (STCI) invites applications for the Skill Up Abia Women Programme — a fully sponsored 3-month skill acquisition training across all 17 LGAs of Abia State. 🎓 Available Skills: • Fashion Design • Hairdressing • Make-up & Gele Tying • Confectioneries & Food Processing • Bag & Shoe Making ✅ Eligibility: • Female, aged 16–35 • In need of income-generating skills • Able to attend at least 80% of the programme • Indigent or vulnerable ⚠️ Important Information: • Apply once only — multiple entries will be disqualified • Application does not guarantee selection (screening applies) • Selection is quota-based across all 17 LGAs to ensure fairness • If you already have a skill or trade, please do not apply — refer someone who truly needs this opportunity This programme is designed for committed young women ready to learn and immediately apply their skills. 🔗 Apply here: safetentcareinitiative.org/apply/skill-up 🗓 Deadline: Wednesday, 25th March

As Ramadan ends, I extend warmest greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters. May this Eid-al-Fitr be a celebration of peace, joy, and renewal for you and your loved ones. Let's draw inspiration from the values of compassion, kindness, and gratitude, to drive progress and unity in Abia State. May Allah accept your fasts, prayers, and good deeds, marking a new chapter of hope and prosperity for all. Eid Mubarak!

Honoured to have hosted a side event at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York — “From Global Commitments to Local Results: The Abia State Experience in Advancing Women and Girls’ Rights.” Global frameworks like the Beijing Platform and SDGs set the stage, but real change happens locally. Thank you to Vision Spring Initiative for coordinating this vital dialogue. 🌍

Dear women, as I join you today in celebrating the beauty of motherhood, I'm reminded of the profound impact you continue to have on our families, communities, and dear state. Your selfless love, care, and sacrifices have shaped the lives of countless individuals, and for that, we are grateful. As mothers, wives, and daughters, your strength in every role sets a powerful example. To every woman in Abia State, I want to say thank you. Thank you for being a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration, and a symbol of God's love. May your special day be filled with joy and all your hearts’ desires. Together, we're driving Abia State to heights of greatness and prosperity. Happy Mother's Day!

Happy International Women's Day to the amazing women of Abia State! Today, I salute your strength, your resilience, and the incredible optimism that carries you through challenges. You truly are the backbone of our communities. I will always stand with you, championing your dreams, creating opportunities, and celebrating you every step of the way. You deserve it! Since 2023, we have prioritized women's welfare across the state, ensuring everyone feels included and cared for: widows, mothers, daughters. We've equipped women with economic opportunities to contribute to our economy, because we believe in their potential. Abia State is a place where women thrive. They hold key government positions, driving development and shaping our state's future. I'm committed to mentoring more women, guiding them to break barriers and reach their full potential. To every woman: YOU ARE CAPABLE, YOU ARE STRONG. Keep shining, keep pushing forward. Let's join hands to tear down barriers and amplify women's voices, clearing their path to success.

At the International Women Leaders Conference 2026 in London, I was honoured to deliver a keynote address to a distinguished gathering of leaders, policymakers, development partners, and advocates committed to advancing women's cause on “Leveraging Leadership as a Catalyst for Women Empowerment.” The reality is stark: women empowerment is no longer aspirational, but an urgent necessity. A nation's progress is inextricably linked to its women's progress. No society can reach full potential if half the population is excluded from shaping its future. Leadership must dismantle barriers, create opportunities, and amplify women's voices. When leadership ignores women, development suffers. But when women are empowered, societies flourish. It strengthens households, stabilize communities, and boosts national prosperity. It’s a strategic investment in development and not a favour to women. I emphasized that women's representation in politics is groundbreaking, yet lacking. In Nigeria, women occupy only 15% of parliamentary seats, far below global benchmarks. The Reserved Seat Bill aims to address this. Abia State has taken steps to increase women's inclusion in governance, with 17 of 21 Permanent Secretaries being women. Leadership must also protect women and girls from violence, ensuring empowerment isn't just a concept. This pursuit for women empowerment is a shared responsibility. The next generation watches our every move. Let's widen the path for women, making it fairer and more accessible.

I was privileged to flag off the distribution of teaching and learning materials, including smart boards, core textbooks, school bags, sandals, pencils, and exercise books, as well as sports equipment, to Basic Education Schools in Abia State, a commendable initiative by the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). This milestone event, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, marks a significant step towards shaping the future of our children. This exercise is more than just a distribution of resources; it's an investment in the potential of our young minds. It's about equipping our dedicated teachers with the necessary tools to excel. As education is the cornerstone of sustainable development, providing adequate resources is a strategic move towards ensuring quality education for all.

I was delighted to join Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), at the 2nd Year Anniversary Celebration of GIFA in Akwa Ibom State, alongside the First Lady of Edo State and the First Lady of Plateau State. I delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, commending her leadership, strength, and commitment. GIFA's mission to uplift lives through impactful initiatives resonates deeply. Under Lady Helen's guidance, GIFA's past 2 years have been incredible, and I was honoured to stand with her as she carries forward her late mother, Pastor Patience Umo Eno's, vision.

Visiting Akwete in Ukwa East Local Government Area to meet the incredibly talented women who bring the stunning Akwete fabric to life was an absolute delight. I'm honoured to be the first serving First Lady to visit this remarkable town, and I was truly touched by their warm welcome. My husband and I are huge fans of Akwete. From gracing the Paris Fashion Week to being showcased in Japan and sought after by global designers, Akwete's beauty and significance are undeniable. I had the privilege of highlighting its importance at a United Nations General Assembly sideline conference in New York last year, where I wore Akwete with pride. I commended these amazing women for preserving this cultural treasure and encouraged them to keep weaving with passion and purpose. Their work goes beyond fabric, they're creating opportunities, jobs, and a brighter future for our state. Under my husband's visionary leadership, the Abia State government is committed to taking Akwete to the next level, projecting it locally and globally, and investing in its growth. Indeed, the future holds great promise.