…Advocates women empowerment
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor’s wife, Mrs Priscilla Otti, has vowed to lead the war against drug abuse among girls and young women in the state.
The Governor’s wife who made the vow while speaking at the International Women’s Day celebration, Thursday in Umuahia, decried the rate at which girls and young women in the state indulge in consumption of illicit drugs.
She called for collaborations among parents and other stakeholders in the fight to stamp out the scourge.
“I need to let you know that I have recently taken up a battle against drug abuse in Abia State, and I invite you all to join me in this fight.
“My findings show that an increasing number of young women, especially senior high school and undergraduates, are deeply involved in consumption and use of hard drugs.
“These are young women who would become future mothers, leaders, and homemakers. We need to rescue them from this debilitating lifestyle, and we must do it together.
“I urge you as mothers to pay closer attention to what your children are doing. The kind of drugs that are consumed today are a lot more scientifically developed to be more addictive and harmful. A lot of them are odorless and smokeless, and therefore more difficult to detect.”
Otti’s wife who also advocated gender equality, called for an end to every unfair treatments against women and girls based on their gender.
“I urge all of us to rededicate ourselves to the cause of gender equality with renewed determination and vigour. Let us pledge to challenge the status quo, dismantle harmful stereotypes, and create a world where every woman and girl can thrive and fulfill her potential.
“Let us propel our government, public and private institutions, community, and religious organisations to invest in women in order to accelerate progress.
The Abia First Lady further advocated investment in women and girls, arguing that if a woman is empowered, society is empowered.
Mrs Otti who gave the theme for this year’s celebration as: ” Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress,” vowed to pursue the advancement of women and girls in the state.
According to her, investing in women is a catalyst for societal advancement, fostering economic growth, innovation, and social development.
She said: “By channelling resources into education, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities for women, we empower them to contribute fully to the workforce and community,” she added.
Mrs Otti said that women ultimately make better leaders in companies and institutions that require prudence.
The Governor’s wife also made strong case for the education of girls and women, saying it is in the interest of society.
“Supporting women-led businesses stimulates economic activity, creating jobs and fostering sustainable development. Investing in female leadership also promotes a more inclusive decision-making process, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered.
“As women thrive and succeed, our societies and communities will prosper. This will break the cycle of poverty and foster a better world for everyone.”
Mrs Otti also promised to rehabilitate victims of baby factory in the state, while vowing to prosecute those behind the monster.
“We are battling headlong the incidences of gender abuse and significantly the numbers are diminishing as we tackle child traffickers and body merchants who were deemed untouchable before.
“We have some cases in state high court which we are assured will bring about justice against the perpetrators and restitution for victims and survivors.”
“The first thing we did immediately we assumed office was to bust a baby factory in Isialangwa, rescued the girls, took care of them while we reunited them with their families. Few weeks ago, we also broke a child trafficking syndicate which specializes in bringing children from Benue state.
“As we speak, those children have been reunited with their families in Benue while the offenders are facing the law. We are also dealing with some pockets of gender-based violence issues here and there.”
The Governor’s wife said that women constituted 23% of the State’ Executive Council members as a demonstration of her husband’s regard and value for women
“Governor Alex Otti understands that women’s voices must be heard. By empowering women to take on leadership roles, we are not only breaking barriers but also setting a powerful example for future generations.”
“As the First Lady of Abia State, I am proud to be part of a government that is committed to advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls; and I recommit to working tirelessly towards a future where gender equality is not just a distant dream but a tangible reality for all,” she added.
In a Keynote address, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU, Professor Elechi Asawala, urged Government to place high premium in women empowerment for the good of society.
She advised Government to engage women in sciences and research to help educate rural women on new skills in agriculture .
According to her the productivity of rural women could be enhanced if workshops are organised for them before embarking on farming and on how to preserve crops after harvest.
