Abia state government ably led by Dr Alex Chioma Otti OFR has vowed to empower widows and vulnerable women in order to enable them live a life of dignity which will further enhance their standard of living.
In collaboration with the office of the first lady in an event organized to mark the 2025 International widows day at the JAAC building secretariat road Umuahia aimed at recognizing the challenges of widows in the state and to ensure that measures are put in place to ameliorate those challenges and give them a sense of belonging.
In her address the commissioner of poverty alleviation and social protection Dr mrs Ngozi Blessing Felix emphasized the need to Always look out for widows who always suffer untold hardship due to neglect and equally thanked the wife of the Governor her excellency Mrs Priscilla Otti for her dedication ,commitment
And humanitarian support towards uplifting the life of the most downtrodden and vulnerable in the state particularly widows and vulnerable women.
She revealed that the ministry of Poverty alleviation and social protection was established by Dr Alex Otti on 15th Aug 2024 with the core mandate of implementing evidence based policies and programs aimed at poverty alleviation and socioeconomic development with a particular focus on most vulnerable groups within our society Which includes persons with disability,the aged and most especially indigent widows.
“We are driven with the fundamental principle of leaving no one behind, aligning our efforts with the United Nations sustainable development goal to build a society that protects, promotes and improves the well being of all citizens and residents of Abia state.
Dr Blessing Felix in a visibly pensive mood stated that widows especially the poor face very difficult challenges including economic hardship,social stigma and limited access to essential resources and therefore the International widows day provides us with the crucial platform to raise awareness about these challenges and advocate for the right and empowerment of widows and work together to find solutions to enable them live in dignity and security.
“This year’s theme “Beyond reason rebuilding lives, strengthening communities and challenging stigma” according to her captures the commitment to an all inclusive approach acknowledging the pain and the loss that widowhood brings while at same time focus on empowering widows to rebuild their lives and often combating the stigma they often face.
She further called on civil societies, government and individuals to create more just and equitable societies where widows can thrive.
“Recognizing these vulnerabilities and challenges faced by widows in Abia state the ministry of Poverty alleviation and social protection in partnership with the office of the first lady is fully committed in empowering them and ensuring their well being.
Mrs Patience Ngozi Udonsi a retired level 14 officer in the Abia state Civil service also a widow for 22 years during her lecture thanked the amiable governor and his wife for their numerous good works in the state most especially as it concerns widows and vulnerable women who are often times stigmatized and neglected.
She advised her fellow widows to always be strong and never allow their status to limit them in living a good life and bettering themselves in order to be worthy members of the society.
The wife of the governor Mrs Priscilla Otti ably represented by the wife of the deputy governor Mrs Adaeze Chidera Emetu during her speech while drawing inspiration from the theme of this year’s event “Beyond reason rebuilding lives, strengthening communities and challenging stigma” stated that widows are often faced with numerous economic and social problems which can erode their dignity and potential.
Mrs Emetu meanwhile noted that despite the huge challenges faced by widows they too can be a shining light to the society if their potentials are properly harnessed which will further enable them to contribute meaningfully to their various communities.
“We have remained committed to supporting our widows through initiatives that provide economic empowerment, social protection and psychological support.
“As wife of the governor i have consistently condemned harmful widowhood practices including denial to inheritance right of landed properties.My office will remain open to protecting widows ” she boasted.
She therefore encouraged the widows present to remain strong and resilient assuring them of government support at all times .
The Governor’s wife further expressed her deepest gratitude to the ministry of Poverty alleviation and social protection ably led by Dr Mrs Blessing Felix for their efforts in making this event a reality and equally assured of constant government support.
Highlights of the event include special dance presentation by some of the widows,free medical check-up and presentation of cash gifts to the widows present .
Some of the dignitaries who graced the event includes the state commissioner of Justice Ikechukwu Uwanna represented by Barr Nneka Obike ,head of Abia state civil service Benson Ojeikere
,wives of local government chairmen and a host of others
