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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has given cash and food items to persons living with albinism and other vulnerable groups such as people living with HIV/AIDS and sickle cell warriors.
A breakdown showed that 100 members of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, 300 of people living with HIV/AIDS and sickle cell warriors in the State received bags of rice and a cash donation of N50,000 each to support their livelihood and wellbeing.
Mrs. Otti said the intervention was driven by compassion and a firm belief that governance must be humane, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable in society.
She emphasised that while persons living with albinism face unique challenges, including skin-related health risks, other vulnerable groups such as people living with HIV/AIDS and sickle cell warriors also deserve attention, care, and dignity.
She noted that beyond food and financial assistance, her office has consistently provided persons living with albinism with essential protective materials to safeguard their skin and improve their quality of life, adding that such support would continue. Mrs. Otti reassured people living with HIV/AIDS and sickle cell warriors that they are not alone, encouraging them to remain hopeful, disciplined with their treatment, and confident that the Abia State Government stands firmly with them.
She informed them that her husband was intentional about combining infrastructural development with strong social protection policies, ensuring that progress in Abia State does not exclude the vulnerable.
Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, jointly commended the courage, resilience, and strength of persons living with albinism, HIV/AIDS, and sickle cell disorder.
They advised beneficiaries to continue prioritizing their health, adhere strictly to medical advice, and take advantage of available government support systems, assuring them that the state remains committed to their wellbeing.
Director-General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ABSACA), Dr. Uloaku Emma, expressed appreciation for the unwavering support of Governor Otti to the agency.
She described Otti’s leadership as people-centered and health-driven and called for continued public support for the administration.
