PRISCILLA OTTI SUPPORTS 1,000 INDIGENT ABIA PUPILS WITH BACK-TO-SCHOOL MATERIALS,SAYS BACKGROUND NOT A BARRIER TO GREATNESS 

The Safe Tent Care Initiative, a pet project of Abia State Governor’s wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has distributed back-to-school materials to 1,000 indigent pupils from 50 public schools across the state’s 17 local government areas, as she declared that background should not be a barrier to greatness.

The intervention, organised in collaboration with the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), took place at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, as part of efforts to ease the financial burden on parents, encourage academic excellence and improve access to education for vulnerable children, particularly those in rural communities.

Speaking at the event, the founder of the Safe Tent Care Initiative, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, said the programme was designed to support families struggling to provide essential educational materials for their children and ensure that pupils returned to school adequately equipped and motivated to learn.

She explained that the initiative reached 1,000 pupils from 50 public schools across the state’s 17 local government areas, with particular attention to children from underserved rural communities.

According to her, the beneficiaries were selected from disadvantaged families, with consideration given to pupils’ academic performance and efforts to encourage educational excellence.

Mrs. Otti noted that the programme was an extension of the initiative’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable children and supporting families facing economic difficulties.

She recalled that the previous edition also provided assistance to pupils and expressed hope that the programme would expand to reach more than 2,000 children in subsequent editions, subject to available resources.

The governor’s wife commended the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, head teachers and other education stakeholders for their collaboration in identifying beneficiaries and ensuring the successful implementation of the programme.

She also acknowledged the contributions of individuals and organisations committed to supporting underserved children, including the Peter NWachukwu Foundation, whose work, she said, inspired her to pursue similar humanitarian interventions.

Mrs. Otti further encouraged parents and guardians to remain committed to their children’s education, while urging pupils to be disciplined, hardworking, respectful and determined to achieve their dreams regardless of their backgrounds.

She also called on individuals, businesses and organisations to support the initiative’s humanitarian programmes, announcing plans for the Rising Gems Talent Show and Gospel Music Concert to raise funds for vulnerable children and other beneficiaries across the state.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, Lady Ezihe Lydia Onuoha, described the programme as a demonstration of the importance of collective responsibility in advancing children’s education.

She commended Mrs. Otti for establishing the initiative and consistently supporting vulnerable children, noting that the provision of school materials would help improve pupils’ confidence, encourage learning and ease some of the financial pressures on their families.

According to her, every child deserves access to the resources and encouragement necessary to learn, excel and fulfil their potential, irrespective of family circumstances or geographical location.

Lady Onuoha said the initiative aligned with the educational transformation agenda of Governor Alex Otti’s administration, which prioritises quality education, human capital development, inclusiveness and improved learning outcomes.

She urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the materials provided, remain committed to their studies and demonstrate good character in their schools and communities.

The ASUBEB chairman also celebrated Abia pupils who recently represented Nigeria at the 2026 International School Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, where they reportedly emerged overall champions, winning four major trophies and 12 medals.

She attributed the achievement to the dedication of the pupils, their teachers and coaches, as well as the support provided by the state government and other stakeholders.

Lady Onuoha noted that the accomplishment demonstrated the potential of children attending public schools to compete successfully on the international stage when given the necessary support and opportunities.

She called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, parents, communities, development organisations and private individuals to ensure that no child was left behind in the pursuit of quality education.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, described the intervention as an important contribution to efforts to address the challenges faced by vulnerable children and low-income households.

ASUBEB Executive Chairman

She said poverty extended beyond inadequate household income, as it could also limit children’s access to education, healthcare and other essential services.

According to her, supporting children’s education and strengthening household welfare are important components of social protection, particularly for families at risk of being excluded from opportunities for development.

Mrs Felix commended Mrs. Otti for championing the initiative and called for stronger partnerships among government ministries, schools, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector to expand support for vulnerable families.

She urged the beneficiaries to remain hardworking, respect their parents and teachers, and understand that their present circumstances should not determine their future achievements.

The commissioner also encouraged parents and teachers to continue guiding the children, stressing that their collective efforts were essential to building a generation equipped with the knowledge, skills and values needed to contribute meaningfully to society.

The event attracted the wife of the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu; the Principal Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer to the Governor, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education, Mr. Kenechukwu Nwosu.

Others included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka; the Senior Special Assistant on Environment, Professor Ijeoma Iheukwumere; the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Abia State, Comrade Kingsley Mmadu ,wives of local government mayors; and other government officials and education stakeholders.

Also present were the Labour Party candidate for Obingwa West State Constituency, Chief Mrs. Victoria Onwubiko, and the Director of the Peter Wachuku Foundation, Mrs. Christiana Wachuku.

In her vote of thanks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, expressed appreciation to Mrs. Otti for extending educational support to children from disadvantaged families across the state’s 17 local government areas.

She said the initiative had provided encouragement to pupils and relief to parents, adding that the intervention went beyond the distribution of school bags and books to represent an investment in the future of Abia children.

Mrs. Nwaka also commended the initiative’s team, local government coordinators, teachers and other partners whose contributions helped make the programme successful.

included cultural dance performances by pupils of Ndume Otuka Primary School, a spelling bee competition and various fun games that entertained guests and created an atmosphere of excitement.

The activities provided an opportunity for the pupils to demonstrate their talents and abilities while celebrating the importance of education, discipline and healthy competition.

The programme ended with renewed calls for stronger partnerships to support children from underserved communities and ensure that financial diff

iculties do not prevent them from accessing educational opportunities.