The wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has reinforced her commitment to grassroots transformation with the launch of the Ahiaoma Market Women Economic Empowerment Programme.
The initiative was delivered through her Safe Tent Care Initiative, a platform dedicated to advancing the welfare, protection, and economic stability of women and vulnerable groups.
The initiative which was unveiled in Umuahia the State capital, includes financial support, combining N100,000 direct grants with structured empowerment.
Mrs. Otti emphasised that empowering women remains both a moral responsibility and an economic imperative.
“When women earn, they reinvest significantly into their families and communities. This is not just social intervention; it is a smart economic strategy that drives growth.
“The programme is strategically designed to strengthen women-owned businesses, deepen financial literacy, and build sustainable livelihoods across Abia State”, she said.
The Abia’s first Lady revealed that the initiative aligns strongly with the vision of Governor Alex Otti, to promote inclusive growth, human capital development, and sustainable prosperity, particularly for women at the grassroots.
She said, “Anchored on the Safe Tent Care Initiative, this programme reflects a holistic approach to empowerment; one that recognises that financial inclusion must go hand-in-hand with social protection, health, and security.
“Access to capital alone is not enough. Without the right support systems, progress becomes difficult.
“Through Safe Tent Care, we are ensuring that women are not only funded but also protected, supported, and positioned to thrive,” she added.
“In its first phase, 200 women from different parts of the state and across various sectors were selected to receive N100,000 each to scale up their businesses.
“Beyond the grants, beneficiaries will also benefit from mentorship, business development services, and capacity-building programmes tailored to ensure long-term growth and financial independence.”
Addressing structural challenges in agriculture, Otti also announced the Agri-Market Reform Initiative, which will focus on improving storage facilities, reducing post-harvest losses, and enabling women farmers to access better markets and pricing.
Delivering a financial literacy session, Mr. Jonathan Obiloye of Signature Bank urged participants to adopt disciplined financial habits, avoid fraudulent schemes, and prioritise savings and proper record keeping.
“Do not be carried away by promises of quick returns. Build your business with knowledge, patience, and discipline,” he added.
Also speaking, Mrs. Rose Ako of the Bank of Industry highlighted the importance of maintaining active bank accounts and credible financial records, noting that such practices are critical for accessing loans and scaling businesses.
She further disclosed the rollout of a N4 billion matching fund scheme in partnership with the Abia State Government to support small and medium-scale enterprises.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing poverty and creating sustainable opportunities for vulnerable groups.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, described the initiative as a transformative intervention that not only provides immediate financial relief, but also creates a pathway for long-term economic stability and empowerment.
The event featured the symbolic presentation of grant cheques and impactful financial education sessions, equipping beneficiaries with practical knowledge on savings, investment, budgeting, and business growth.