No Abia widow will suffer oppression under my watch, says Mrs Otti

Mrs. Priscilla Otti, First Lady of Abia State, vowed during the 2026 International Widows’ Day celebration in Umuahia that no widow in the state will endure oppression, injustice, poverty or homelessness following the death of a spouse. Speaking at the event, she emphasized that widowhood should not equate to a life of suffering, asserting that justice, dignity and economic empowerment are essential rights for all widows. The event took place in Umuahia, where Mrs. Otti addressed attendees and reiterated her commitment to supporting widows. She stated that widowhood should not mean losing one's home, dignity or ability to provide for children. The theme of the day, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows”, was framed by her as a directive for governments, institutions and communities to shift from apathy to active support for widows. The First Lady highlighted the state government’s tangible actions in improving the lives of widows. She revealed that 35 Dignity Homes had been constructed and handed over to indigent widows across the 17 local government areas of the state. Each recipient received an empowerment package to foster sustainable livelihoods. Mrs. Otti further announced plans to build at least 17 more Dignity Homes before the end of the year, ensuring continued expansion of housing and support for widows. In addition to housing, the government has implemented a range of measures including cash assistance, food aid, skills acquisition programs and other interventions aimed at promoting self-reliance among widows. Mrs. Otti also underscored the state’s resolve to enforce the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act to eradicate harmful widowhood practices and ensure the rights and well-being of widows are protected. She concluded her address by affirming that widows are not invisible or abandoned, and that their stories do not end with loss. Her message was one of encouragement, emphasizing that their strength surpasses their pain and that their futures are brighter than their pasts. Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, echoed Mrs. Otti’s sentiments, highlighting the state government’s ongoing dedication to the welfare of widows. She noted that recipients of the Dignity Homes Initiative also benefit from livelihood support, vocational training, financial assistance and healthcare services, all designed to enable economic independence. Felix pointed out that the government has bolstered institutional support for vulnerable women through the Enyiche Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which offers medical, legal and psychosocial services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. She stressed that justice, dignity and economic empowerment are rights, not privileges, and encouraged collaboration among families, traditional leaders, religious organizations, civil society groups and the private sector to combat harmful widowhood practices. She commended Governor Alex Otti for his focus on social protection and acknowledged the First Lady for her persistent advocacy for the welfare of widows through long-term humanitarian efforts. Chief Magistrate Enyidiya Uma-Onwunta delivered a keynote speech urging society to abandon harmful widowhood practices and promote the dignity and economic independence of widows. Uma-Onwunta shared her personal experience of becoming widowed at a young age, using her testimony to highlight the challenges faced by many widows and the need for systemic change.