We Empower Women To Drive Our Reforms – Gov. Otti

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has stated his administration’s commitment to empowering women in the state.

Speaking at the South-East Zonal Workshop of the National Association of Women Judges Nigeria (NAWJN), themed “Breaking Leadership Barriers for Women in the Legal Profession,” held in Umuahia on Friday, the governor noted that, in abia, “We empower women not for optics but out of conviction. Women are less prone to procedural abuses and managerial recklessness, making them ideal drivers of the reforms we seek across multiple sectors.”

The event which brought about top legal minds, including Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Kudirat M.O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, alongside other respected figures in the field, all focused on breaking barriers for women in the legal profession, aiming to help more women reach high positions.

Governor Otti talked about the important role women play in leadership, noting that they bring positive changes in many areas, such as government, business, and society.

“Whatever you give to a woman, she will receive it, multiply it, and give it back to you,” he said, echoing Dr. Myles Munroe’s words.

He emphasized that supporting women is not only the right thing to do but also helps society grow in important areas like education, health, finance, and law.

“It is now beyond dispute that societal prosperity depends on how well we empower women to dream, work hard, and fulfill their potential,” Governor Otti remarked, stressing the importance of providing opportunities for women to succeed.

He also spoke of Abia State’s history of strong women, like those who led the 1929 Aba Women’s Uprising, saying, “Abia is home to bold and productive women who will never accept to be relegated. Our leaders know better than to adopt policies that run counter to the interests of these remarkable women”.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s presence as the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria added to the significance of the workshop’s theme. Governor Otti expressed his hope that the event would inspire practical actions to help more women achieve leadership in the legal profession, where competence and merit remain the guiding principles.

“My hope is that, by the end of this workshop, we will have developed actionable strategies to help more women ascend to leadership positions like our CJN and state Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai,” he noted.

He encouraged participants to focus on building women’s capacities in the legal field, ensuring that they can succeed without compromising the profession’s values of justice and ethics while also emphasizing that women’s leadership leads to more compassionate and decisive choices.

“We may not get everything right at once, but we must begin the journey toward building a legal system that encourages young women to dream big,” Governor Otti said.

Governor Otti pledged Abia State’s full support for NAWJN’s goals, committing to work with stakeholders to advance gender inclusion.

“The world will be better when women are empowered and given platforms to do exploits,” he stated, adding that the future is promising for young women who dare to take on leadership challenges.

With these words, he declared the workshop officially open, setting the stage for discussions on creating more opportunities for women and recognizing their vital role in a fair and prosperous society.