Abia First Lady Disburses ₦50,000 to Over 600 Widows, Supports Economic Empowerment.

Abia First Lady Disburses ₦50,000 to Over 600 Widows, Supports Economic Empowerment.

The Wife of the Abia State Governor, Priscilla Otti, has disbursed ₦50,000 each to more than 600 widows in the state as part of efforts to support their businesses and improve their economic well-being.

The gesture was made during the 2026 International Widows’ Day celebration held at the JAAC Secretariat in Umuahia, with the theme, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows.”

Speaking at the event, Otti described justice for widows as a moral obligation, stressing that economic empowerment remains critical to helping widows achieve self-reliance and live with dignity.

She also highlighted the Dignity Homes Initiative, through which 35 indigent widows, one from each of the 17 local government areas of the state, have received completed homes alongside livelihood support.

According to her, an additional 17 homes are planned under the initiative as part of efforts to provide vulnerable widows with secure accommodation and sustainable means of livelihood.

The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Ngozi Blessing Felix, said the administration of Governor Alex Otti has made the welfare of widows a priority through interventions covering healthcare, livelihood support and protection of property rights.

Felix called for greater collaboration among government, communities and relevant stakeholders to protect widows from discrimination and harmful traditional widowhood practices.

She stressed that concerted efforts are needed to ensure that widows are treated with dignity, protected from exploitation and provided with opportunities to become economically independent.