The wife of the Governor of Abia State, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, on Thursday marked the International Day of Charity with a direct empowerment initiative for women petty traders in Abia.
Mrs. Otti visited Afor Ibeji Market in Umuahia South and Eketa Market in Isiala Ngwa South, where she personally distributed cash support to small-scale traders, particularly women managing tables and stalls. She also extended the gesture to traders within her immediate neighborhood in Umuahia.
The unexpected empowerment stirred joy among beneficiaries, many of whom described it as timely relief.
Speaking during the outreach, Mrs. Otti said the initiative was borne out of her desire to extend the spirit of charity to vulnerable groups who form the backbone of local markets.
“Today is a very special day. Upon realizing that today is the International Day of Charity, I decided to use this opportunity to reach out to our petty traders – the women with small tables and stalls, not the big shop owners. These women are the lifeblood of our markets, and they deserve to be remembered and supported.”
She urged the traders to be prudent in the use of the financial support, stressing that careful planning, saving, and reinvestment would enable them to grow their businesses sustainably.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ijeoma Godwin, a nursing mother and widow, broke down in tears while expressing gratitude. She revealed that she had prayed that very morning for divine intervention, as her husband, the family’s breadwinner, was recently buried and her business capital was dwindling. She described the First Lady’s gesture as an answer to prayer and prayed for continuous blessings upon the Governor and his wife.
Mrs. Otti also commended Governor Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, for championing initiatives that uplift small businesses, including the recently launched ₦1 billion nano-grant scheme for entrepreneurs across the state.
She assured Abians that her office will continue to spotlight vulnerable groups and drive programs that strengthen families, support small businesses, and promote inclusive growth in the state.
