VC tasks Abia women on empowerment schemes

Professor Ursula Ngozi-Akanwa, the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, urged Abia women to utilize empowerment programs in the state to prosper in their businesses rather than merely surviving. Addressing the Abia Women August Delegate Conference (AWADEC) 2026, she highlighted the theme, ‘Abia Women: Empowered to Thrive’, as a culmination of a four-year initiative aimed at educating women on business growth.

Ngozi-Akanwa lauded Governor Alex Otti's wife, Priscilla Otti, for her tireless efforts in women's development, stating that empowered women change lives, families, communities, and the economy. She praised the governor's wife for initiatives like the Dignity Homes Initiative, skills acquisition programs, business grants, and efforts against gender-based violence.

Ngozi-Akanwa also recognized Governor Otti for creating an enabling environment through investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and women's empowerment programs. She emphasized the need for women to take ownership of their empowerment, support and mentor each other, embrace education, and promote peace in their homes.

Ngozi-Akanwa challenged the women to dare to dream again, seize opportunities, stand together, and refuse to merely survive when they have the potential to thrive. The conference gathered the governor's wife, state Ministry of Women Affairs representatives, traditional rulers, and women leaders from all 17 LGAs of Abia State.