Abia First Lady Empowers Women Traders on International Day of Charity

The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, on Thursday marked the International Day of Charity with a direct empowerment initiative for women petty traders across the state.

Mrs. Otti visited Afor Ibeji Market in Umuahia South and Eketa Market in Isiala Ngwa South, where she personally handed cash support to small-scale traders, particularly women managing stalls and tables. She also extended the gesture to traders within her immediate Umuahia neighborhood.

The unexpected outreach sparked excitement and relief among beneficiaries, many of whom described the support as timely.

Speaking during the exercise, the First Lady said the initiative was inspired by her desire to extend the spirit of charity to vulnerable groups who form the backbone of local markets.

“Today is a very special day. On realizing it is the International Day of Charity, I decided to reach out to our petty traders – the women with small tables and stalls, not the big shop owners. These women are the lifeblood of our markets, and they deserve to be remembered and supported,” she said.

She urged recipients to use the funds judiciously, stressing the importance of saving, reinvestment, and careful planning for sustainable business growth.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ijeoma Godwin, a widow and nursing mother, was moved to tears as she expressed gratitude. She revealed that she had prayed earlier in the day for divine intervention, noting that her business capital had been dwindling since the death of her husband, who was the family’s breadwinner. She described the First Lady’s gesture as an answer to prayer and prayed for continued blessings on the Governor and his wife.

Mrs. Otti also commended Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, for championing initiatives that uplift small businesses, including the recently launched ₦1 billion nano-grant scheme for entrepreneurs across the state.

She assured residents that her office will continue to prioritize vulnerable groups by driving programs that support families, strengthen small businesses, and promote inclusive growth in Abia State.