Abia First Lady Rolls Out Business Boost Scheme for 200 Women

The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has launched a financial support initiative aimed at strengthening small businesses run by women across the state.

The programme, introduced in Umuahia, provides seed funding of ₦100,000 to each of the 200 selected beneficiaries, many of whom are traders and entrepreneurs operating at the grassroots level. The intervention is part of a broader empowerment drive under her humanitarian platform, which focuses on improving the welfare and economic stability of women.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Otti explained that supporting women financially is not just a social responsibility but also a strategic move to stimulate economic growth. She noted that women tend to reinvest their earnings into their families and communities, making them key drivers of development.

Beyond the cash grants, participants will also receive mentorship, business training, and financial literacy support designed to help them expand their ventures sustainably. The initiative is structured to move beneficiaries from subsistence trading to more stable and profitable enterprises.

The programme aligns with the state government’s broader agenda of promoting inclusive growth and reducing poverty, particularly among vulnerable groups. Officials also highlighted plans to address challenges faced by women in agriculture, including poor storage and limited market access, through additional reforms.

Financial experts at the event encouraged recipients to adopt disciplined business practices, maintain proper records, and avoid fraudulent schemes, stressing that such habits are essential for long-term success.

The initiative marks a step toward expanding economic opportunities for women in Abia, with more phases expected to reach additional beneficiaries in the future.