The Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Lady Priscilla Otti, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving access to quality education and creating a conducive learning environment for pupils across the state.
Mrs Otti stated this at Eziala Nsulu Central School, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, during the grand finale of her Back-to-School Programme, organised in collaboration with the Safe Tent Care Initiative.
The First Lady emphasized the importance of investing in children’s education, describing it as a critical foundation for individual development and societal progress. She noted that the initiative was designed to encourage school enrolment, support pupils with essential learning materials and ease the financial burden on parents and guardians.
Mrs Otti, while commending Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s interventions across various sectors, particularly education, described him as a great gift and blessing to Abia State. She explained that the distribution of school bags and other educational materials was part of her commitment to complementing the government’s efforts and supporting parents in meeting the educational needs of their children.
She also appreciated the Headmistress and teachers of the school for their dedication and contributions to the development of the pupils, urging them to sustain their commitment to quality teaching. The First Lady encouraged the pupils to take their studies seriously, obey their teachers, remain disciplined and make good use of the educational materials provided to them.
In his speech, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, commended Governor Otti for setting a standard in governance and positioning Abia State as a reference point in discussions on public sector reforms and development. He also applauded Mrs Otti for her commitment to humanitarian services and her sustained efforts towards improving the welfare of women and children, particularly through initiatives that promote education and social inclusion.
In their goodwill messages, the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Ambassador Innocent Uruakpa, and the Councillor representing Isiala Nsulu Ward 3 in the Isiala Ngwa North Legislative Council, Mrs Chinyere Obidiah, lauded the First Lady for extending the Back-to-School Programme to their community.
They described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that the provision of educational materials would encourage the pupils and provide practical support to parents. They also pledged their continued support for programmes and policies aimed at improving education and advancing the welfare of residents of the local government area.
In his remarks, a staff of the Safe Tent Care Initiative, Mr Chisom Osoka, explained that the foundation was established to empower underserved women and children to achieve economic independence and live with dignity. He said its objectives include expanding access to livelihood opportunities, strengthening protection systems and providing essential social services to vulnerable members of society.
In their vote of thanks, the Headmistress of Eziala Nsulu Central School, Mrs Onyinyechi Njoku and the Supervisory Counselor for Health, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Mrs Nkechi Chibueze, appreciated Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s efforts towards sustaining free education and extending the years of service for teachers. They also thanked the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Chidinma Otti, for the Back-to-School Programme, describing it as a timely intervention that would ease the financial burden on parents, encourage pupils and further motivate them to embrace education.
Highlights of the event is the distribution of school bags and other educational materials to the pupils, as well as the presentation of gift items to the Headmistress and teachers.
The event was attended by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Chidera Emetu, Wife of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mrs Arinola Ajagba, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Barr. Mrs Chibuzo Ehiemere, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Chigozie Ekeoma, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs Chinenye Nwaka, Labour Party Campaign Director-General for Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Dr Obioma Orji, the Wife of the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North LGA, the Deputy Mayor of the LGA, the Leader and members of Isiala Ngwa North Legislative Council, women groups among other government officials and stakeholders.
