By Okpere Sharon Omoye,
Abia First Lady Reaffirms Commitment to Protection and Empowerment of Widows
The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has assured widows in the state of continued government protection of their rights, especially the right to inherit landed properties, as part of efforts to economically empower them and improve their standard of living.
She gave the assurance on Wednesday in Umuahia during an event to commemorate the 2025 International Widows Day.
The First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, said this year’s theme, “Beyond Reason: Rebuilding Lives, Strengthening Communities, and Challenging Stigma,” reflects the urgent need to address the economic and social issues many widows face.
According to her, empowering widows is essential not just for their survival, but for the growth and stability of communities.
“We have remained committed to supporting our widows through initiatives that provide economic empowerment, social protection, and psychological support,” she said. “My office will remain open to protecting widows, and I have consistently condemned harmful widowhood practices, including the denial of inheritance rights.”
She added that the state government is determined to address the challenges widows face and ensure they are not left behind in the state’s development plans.
Commissioner for the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, also spoke at the event.
She noted that widows often suffer untold hardship due to neglect and lack of access to resources. She said the ministry, established by Governor Alex Otti in August 2024, was created to implement inclusive policies focused on poverty reduction, especially for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, the elderly, and indigent widows.
Felix praised Mrs. Otti for her dedication to the welfare of widows, describing her efforts as life-changing.
“We are driven by the principle of leaving no one behind,” Felix said. “Our goal is to build a society that protects and uplifts all, especially those most at risk.”
She noted that many widows face difficult challenges such as economic hardship, social stigma, and limited access to healthcare and resources.
According to her, International Widows Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and push for real solutions that allow widows to live with dignity and security.
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One of the speakers, Mrs. Patience Udonsi, a widow and retired civil servant, thanked the governor and his wife for their continued support. She encouraged fellow widows to remain strong and not allow their circumstances to define their future.
“Being a widow should not be a death sentence,” she said. “We must keep moving forward and remain useful members of society.”
The event featured dance performances by widows, free medical check-ups, and cash gift presentations to the attendees.
