Abia First Lady Launches Ahiaoma Empowerment Programme, Disburses ₦100,000 Grants to Women
By Yahaya Idris, Abia
The Wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has launched the Ahiaoma Market Women Economic Empowerment Programme under her Safe Tent Care Initiative, aimed at boosting the economic capacity of women and vulnerable groups across the state.
The programme, unveiled in Umuahia, combines direct financial support of ₦100,000 grants with structured empowerment initiatives designed to strengthen women-owned businesses, promote financial literacy, and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Otti described women’s empowerment as both a moral obligation and a strategic economic priority. She noted that investing in women translates to broader community development, as they reinvest significantly in their families and society.
She explained that the initiative adopts a holistic approach, integrating financial support with social protection, health, and security measures to ensure beneficiaries are well-positioned to succeed.
In the first phase, 200 women drawn from various sectors across the state were selected to receive the ₦100,000 grants to expand their businesses. Beneficiaries will also undergo mentorship, capacity-building, and business development training to enhance long-term growth and financial independence.
Mrs. Otti further announced plans for an Agri-Market Reform Initiative, aimed at addressing challenges in agriculture through improved storage systems, reduction of post-harvest losses, and enhanced market access for women farmers.
She noted that strategic partnerships with financial institutions, including Signature Bank and the Bank of Industry, would provide beneficiaries with financial literacy training, enterprise support, and access to funding opportunities.
Representatives of the partner institutions advised participants on sound financial practices. Mr. Jonathan Obiloye of Signature Bank urged beneficiaries to maintain discipline in savings and avoid fraudulent investment schemes, while Mrs. Rose Ako of the Bank of Industry emphasized the importance of proper financial records and disclosed plans for a ₦4 billion matching fund scheme to support small and medium-scale enterprises.
Stakeholders at the event commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.
The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing poverty, while the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, praised the First Lady’s leadership and urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the opportunity.
The event featured the presentation of grant cheques and financial literacy sessions focused on savings, budgeting, investment, and business growth.
Through the Safe Tent Care Initiative, Mrs. Otti is advancing a comprehensive model of empowerment aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening families, and promoting inclusive development across Abia State.
