Follow Us on Google
From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and economic wellbeing of widows across the state.
This was disclosed by the wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, during activities marking the 2026 International Widows’ Day celebration, held in Umuahia, with the theme, “Justice, Dignity, and Economic Power for Widows”.
Mrs. Otti said it was in line with the commitment that the state launched the Dignity Homes Initiative, in which 35 indigent widows from the 17 local government areas received fully completed homes alongside livelihood support. She informed that 17 more homes would be built across the state and promised that widows would continue to benefit from cash assistance, food support, skills acquisition, and empowerment programmes.
Other News
The wife of the governor used the occasion to disburse N50,000 each to over 600 widows in the state to support their small businesses. She said justice for widows is not charity but a moral obligation, and stressed that dignity is a fundamental right while economic empowerment remains the pathway to self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, had earlier said the event underscored the state’s resolve to promote justice, dignity, and economic opportunities for widows.
She noted that under the administration of Governor Alex Otti, social protection has become a key pillar of governance through initiatives, including the Dignity Homes Project, livelihood support programmes, healthcare interventions, and advocacy for the protection of widows’ inheritance and property rights.
The commissioner called on families, communities, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, and development partners to join hands with the government to eliminate harmful widowhood practices and create an inclusive society where widows can live with dignity, security, and hope.
