The Wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has empowered over 600 widows across the state’s 17 local government areas with ₦50,000 business grants as part of activities marking the 2026 International Widows’ Day celebration.
The event, organised by the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, was held in Umuahia under the theme, “Justice, Dignity, and Economic Power for Widows.”
Addressing the beneficiaries, Mrs. Otti reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Alex Otti administration to protecting vulnerable citizens through sustainable social intervention programmes. She described the widows as “Jesus’ Wives” and said the cash grants were aimed at supporting their small businesses and improving their economic well-being.
The First Lady also highlighted the state’s Dignity Homes Project, revealing that 35 houses have already been completed and handed over to indigent widows. She announced plans to construct at least 17 additional homes annually across the state’s local government areas while expanding livelihood support programmes for widows.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, said the state government has continued to strengthen social protection policies through practical interventions. She noted that the government is protecting widows’ inheritance rights under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and enhancing access to justice through the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Aba.
In her keynote address, Chief Magistrate Enyidiya Uma-Onwunta urged widows to pursue long-term economic independence, while calling for an end to harmful cultural practices and discrimination against widows.
The event attracted top government officials, members of the judiciary, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and community stakeholders, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the rights, dignity and economic empowerment of widows across Abia State.
Some beneficiaries, including widows of fallen security personnel, expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti and the First Lady for the intervention, describing it as a life-changing initiative that would improve their livelihoods and restore hope.
