South East breaking News
In a remarkable display of compassion, the wife of the Governor of Abia State, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, extended financial support to women petty traders in Umuahia South and Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Areas, particularly at Afor Ibeji and Eketa markets. She also reached out to traders within her immediate surroundings, bringing relief to those who rely on daily sales for their livelihoods.
Her Excellency personally visited the markets, handing cash support directly to the traders. The gesture came as a pleasant surprise to the women, leaving them encouraged and deeply appreciative of her thoughtfulness.
According to Her Excellency, “Today is a very special day. Upon realizing that today is the International Day of Charity, I decided to use this opportunity to extend the spirit of charity to our petty traders, the women with small tables and stalls, not the big shop owners. These are the lifeblood of our markets, and they deserve to be remembered and supported.”
She also encouraged the traders to be prudent in their business, stressing the importance of careful management of their resources to grow their enterprises sustainably. She said, “I urge you to make wise decisions with this support. Plan your business carefully, save where you can, and reinvest in ways that will help your businesses thrive. Your hard work and prudence will determine how far you can go.”
Appreciating her benevolence, Mrs. Ijeoma Godwin, a nursing mother and young widow, passionately praised Her Excellency for coming to support them. According to her, she had prayed that morning for God’s intervention as her husband, the family breadwinner, had recently been buried and her business capital was gradually being depleted to provide for her children. In tears, she prayed that God would continue to help and support Her Excellency and her husband for always putting Abians first.
Her Excellency further commended His Excellency, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, for providing about one billion naira in nano grants to small business owners across the state, describing them as the lifewire of the society.
She assured that she will continue to shine light on the paths of Abians, especially vulnerable groups, through initiatives that uplift families, strengthen small businesses, and drive inclusive development across Abia State.