Otti to Sustain Gender Sensitivity in Abia, Says Women Engender Development

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Mr. Alex Otti, has said that his administration would continue to be gender sensitive in recognition of the huge impact of women in societal development.

He stated this in a goodwill message to Nigerian women on the 2024 International Women’s Day, describing them as embodiments of resilience, devotion to duty in the home front, workplace and in the larger society.
“Here, in Abia State, our administration is highly gender sensitive and this has seen to the increased number of women appointed into the State Executive Council and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government.

“It is worthy of note that women occupy strategic positions in health, education , agriculture and poverty alleviation in the State Executive Council, while out of the total 24 Permanent Secretaries in the state, 17 of them are women,” he said.
The Abia chief executive pointed out that the front role positions that women now occupy in Abia is unprecedented in the history of the state civil service.
He said that Nigeria, and indeed the world, owe women a debt of gratitude for their contributions towards ensuring global economic, social and political development.

The Abia  governor specially congratulated women for their achievements despite numerous challenges imposed on them by nature and the society.
He further described Nigerian women as epitome of grace, knowledge, beauty and strength, noting that they have achieved so much in different areas of life nationally and globally.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, ‘Inspire Inclusion’, Otti said his government has been deliberate in its policy of  empowering women thereby giving them a sense of belonging and inclusiveness.
According to him, this has been made possible through improved budgetary allocations to the various sectors that have direct impact on the welfare and well-being of women and girl-child.

He stated that his administration has demonstrated commitment in the payment of a counterpart fund for the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP) that seeks to support improved livelihoods for women in targeted areas of Abia and Nigeria.
“This goal would be achieved 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.”
To this end, the Abia governor said that he has already given approval for the state to begin immediate disbursement of funds at zero interest to women entrepreneurs engaged in small and micro businesses in the rural areas, through the state’s cooperative programme.

“This is in fulfillment of our campaign promise to empower our women in building their businesses at the grassroots and help to create wealth across the state. No less than 50 persons per ward are expected to receive the sum of N100,000, each,” he said.

While rejoicing with women at the celebration of the IWD, Otti thanked all Abia women, including his wife, Priscilla, for their support, and for having faith in him and his government.