By Izuchukwu Nwokoma
Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Maureen Ijeoma Aghukwa, says sustained advocacy against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has driven many of the gains recorded in the state since Governor Alex Otti assumed office in 2023.
In this exclusive interview, Aghukwa outlines what her ministry has achieved in the last three years, from the disbursement of interest-free loans to more than 5,000 women entrepreneurs to maternal health programmes and efforts aimed at increasing women’s political participation.
She also speaks on the ministry’s collaboration with the wife of the governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, and ongoing efforts to promote women in leadership positions.
How would you rate your ministry’s performance since Governor Alex Otti took office?
The Ministry of Women Affairs, under Governor Alex Otti, has focused on building a more inclusive, secure, and economically empowered society where women, children, and vulnerable groups are adequately supported through strategic reforms, empowerment programmes, healthcare interventions, and gender-sensitive policies.
We have secured approvals for, and facilitated the disbursement of, interest-free loans to more than 5,000 women entrepreneurs and rural business owners across the state.
We have also supported women cooperatives through the Nigeria for Women Project, a World Bank-supported initiative that Abia State has embraced. The project promotes women-owned small and medium-scale enterprises with the aim of improving household income and reducing poverty.
Through the project, women have received livelihood grants that have helped alleviate poverty in many families. We have also strengthened measures aimed at protecting women and children against gender-based violence.
GBV remains a serious issue. What strides has the ministry made in that area?
We have achieved a great deal through intensified advocacy and strengthened response mechanisms against gender-based violence and human trafficking.
We have a strong GBV Response Team led by Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, and a task force was recently inaugurated to further strengthen our intervention efforts.
I am a member of that task force alongside other key stakeholders. As the governor has repeatedly stated, his administration is committed to eradicating GBV or reducing it to the barest minimum in the state, and that is exactly what we are working towards.
We have taken this message to all 17 local government areas to ensure residents are aware of the task force and its mandate.
The task force is responsible for tackling human trafficking and reducing incidents of GBV. Since this administration came into office, we have built strong partnerships with stakeholders and security agencies to improve protection for women and children.
We have also promoted women-focused advocacy campaigns. Beyond discussions around GBV, we are encouraging women to see themselves as leaders and to participate more actively in politics and governance.
I want to thank Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, for championing the fight against GBV. She leads the state’s gender-based violence response efforts, and since this administration came on board, several rescue operations and interventions have been carried out, particularly in cases involving child trafficking.
We are also creating support networks to challenge the notion that women do not support one another. We are empowering women who aspire to leadership positions and encouraging them to step forward.
Women constitute a significant voting population. If we decide that one of us should move forward, we must work together to ensure she succeeds.
These efforts have significantly increased public awareness of gender equality, inclusion, and women’s participation in development and governance.
Another major achievement is the provision of free digital skills training for women. The programme is ongoing for civil servants, and we have ensured that women in the civil service benefit from it.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commissioned a Digital Skills Acquisition Centre in Abia State, under the supervision and coordination of the state’s First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti.
Are there plans to extend these initiatives to rural communities?
Yes. The training programme will be expanded to all local government areas to ensure that more women benefit.
We are also implementing maternal and child welfare programmes.
We have supported healthcare initiatives targeted at women, pregnant mothers, and children. Since coming into office, there has been increased awareness of, and improved access to, reproductive and maternal healthcare services.
The governor has established primary healthcare centres across the state’s 17 local government areas, thereby improving access to healthcare and helping to reduce maternal and child mortality.
We have also implemented nutritional and maternal health programmes through the distribution of agricultural inputs. Across the state, fertilisers and improved seedlings are distributed to female farmers.
In addition, we operate the “Every Home a Garden” initiative, which encourages women to engage in small-scale farming and provide food for their families, thereby improving household nutrition and food security.
We have remained committed to advocacy on women’s rights and socio-political development, and we actively participate in International Women’s Day activities and other related programmes across the state.
What has the ministry done to boost women’s participation in governance and politics?
Today, more than 90 per cent of permanent secretaries in Abia State are women.
Governor Otti has also appointed women into key positions, including commissioners. Currently, four women serve as commissioners in his administration, and we are grateful for that opportunity.
Across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), women are serving as directors, chairpersons, and in other leadership roles. We commend the governor for creating such opportunities.
However, we are not suggesting that women should stop there. Women can become senators, members of the House of Representatives, governors, and even presidents.
Over the last three years, we have encouraged women to believe in their capabilities and to actively pursue leadership positions.
We are also advocating reserved seats for women in elective offices, as this would encourage greater participation in governance.
One of the major challenges often begins at home, where some women do not receive the support of their spouses. However, that narrative is gradually changing, and we are encouraged by the progress being made.
As another election cycle approaches, what message do you have for Abians?
I voted for Governor Alex Otti without knowing him personally, and he has not disappointed me.
I encourage Abians to assess the governor’s achievements and the impact his administration has made over the last three years.
There is no doubt that this administration has performed well in many areas. My appeal is that Abians should not allow the progress already recorded to be interrupted midway. Governor Otti should be given the opportunity to continue and complete the good work he has started.