The Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Professor Ursula Ngozi-Akanwa, has charged Abia women to leverage on empowerment programmes of the state to thrive in their businesses and not merely to survive.
Ngozi-Akanwa spoke while delivering the keynote address during the Abia Women August Delegate Conference, (AWADEC) 2026.
She said that the 2026 theme, ‘Abia Women: Empowered to Thrive’, marks the culmination of a deliberate four-year journey by the initiative to educate the women on how to grow their businesses.
Ngozi-Akanwa commended the wife of the Governor of Abia State Mrs Priscilla Otti, for her “relentless effort towards women’s development” in the state.
She said, “What happens when a woman is given not only a hand to hold, but the knowledge, confidence, opportunity, support and platform to stand on her own business?
“She does not merely change her life. She changes a family. She changes a community. She changes the economy.
“To survive is to endure, to cope and to manage. To thrive is to flourish, to prosper, to grow, and to fulfil one’s potential.”
Ngozi-Akanwa praised the governor’s wife for flagship programmes, including the Dignity Homes Initiative for indigent widows, skills acquisition, business grants, and advocacy against gender-based violence.
She also lauded Governor Alex Otti, for creating an enabling environment through investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, the Safe Tent Care Initiative, Ahiaoma Women Economic Empowerment Programme, and grants to thousands of rural women.
She said, “Government alone cannot do it all. Thriving requires that we take ownership of our own empowerment. It requires that we support and mentor one another, embrace education and skills acquisition, and promote peace in our homes.
“I charged the women to dare to dream again, this time louder. Seek the opportunity, not the excuse. Stand together and refuse to allow division to diminish your collective strength. And whatever your circumstances are, refuse to merely survive them. Do not settle for survival when you have the capacity to thrive.
“The time for thriving is now. Not tomorrow. Not when the economy improves. Now. Go forth from this conference empowered. Go forth determined. Go forth united. And go forth to thrive.”
The event had in attendance the wife of the governor, representatives of the Ministry of Women Affairs, traditional rulers, and women leaders from across the 17 LGAs of Abia State.
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