The Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has launched the Ahiaoma Market Women Economic Empowerment Programme, marking a significant push toward grassroots economic development through targeted financial support and structured capacity building.
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The initiative, delivered under her Safe Tent Care Initiative, was unveiled in Umuahia and is designed to strengthen women-owned businesses across the state. It combines direct financial grants of ₦100,000 with structured empowerment programmes under the Sustainable Household and Youth Development Initiative, focusing on financial literacy, enterprise growth, and long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Otti said empowering women remains both a social obligation and a strategic economic decision.
“When women earn, they reinvest significantly into their families and communities. This is not just social intervention; it is a smart economic strategy that drives growth,” she stated.
She noted that the programme goes beyond financial inclusion, adopting a holistic framework that integrates social protection, health, and economic stability. According to her, access to funding alone cannot deliver lasting outcomes without the right support systems.
“Access to capital alone is not enough. Without the right support systems, progress becomes difficult. Through Safe Tent Care, we are ensuring that women are not only funded but also protected, supported, and positioned to thrive,” she added.
In its first phase, 200 women drawn from different parts of Abia State and across multiple sectors were selected as beneficiaries, each receiving ₦100,000 to scale their businesses. In addition to the grants, participants will undergo mentorship, business development training, and capacity-building sessions aimed at ensuring financial independence and enterprise sustainability.
The programme aligns with the broader development agenda of Governor Alex Otti, which prioritises inclusive growth, human capital development, and economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
As part of efforts to tackle structural challenges in agriculture, Mrs. Otti also announced plans for an upcoming Agri-Market Reform Initiative. The proposed intervention will focus on improving storage infrastructure, reducing post-harvest losses, and expanding market access for women farmers, with the aim of enhancing productivity and income.
Strategic partnerships are central to the programme’s implementation. Collaborations with Signature Bank and the Bank of Industry are expected to provide beneficiaries with financial literacy training, enterprise support services, and access to structured financing opportunities.
“Our goal is to move women from survival-level trading to structured, bankable, and thriving enterprises,” Mrs. Otti said.
Delivering a financial literacy session at the event, Mr. Jonathan Obiloye urged participants to adopt disciplined financial habits, warning against fraudulent schemes and unsustainable investment practices.
“Do not be carried away by promises of quick returns. Build your business with knowledge, patience, and discipline,” he advised.
Also speaking, Mrs. Rose Ako emphasised the importance of maintaining active bank accounts and credible financial records, noting that these are critical requirements for accessing loans and scaling businesses. She disclosed that a ₦4 billion matching fund scheme, developed in partnership with the Abia State Government, is set to support small and medium-scale enterprises.
Stakeholders at the event commended the initiative for directly addressing the needs of market women, widely regarded as a critical driver of local economic activity. Mrs. Chinyere Nwosu described the programme as timely and impactful.
The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to reducing poverty and creating sustainable economic opportunities for vulnerable populations.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, described the initiative as transformative, noting that it provides both immediate financial relief and a pathway to long-term economic stability. She urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
The event featured the symbolic presentation of grant cheques alongside practical financial education sessions covering savings, investment, budgeting, and business growth.
Nigeria Startup News reports that through the Safe Tent Care Initiative, Mrs. Otti is institutionalising a structured approach to empowerment that combines financial support with capacity development and social protection, positioning women as key drivers of inclusive growth and sustainable development across Abia State.
