Abia gov’s wife reiterates commitment to PLWDs

Wife of Abia Governor, Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti, says the state government will continue to consider the interest of persons living with disabilities in its programmes in the state.

Mrs Otti stated this on Friday in Umuahia during the distribution of 100 Tubu solar energy systems to 100 beneficiaries of persons living with disabilities.

Speaking during the event tagged “Empowering Abilities: Illuminating MSMEs with Solar Solutions” which was organized by office of the wife of the governor, in conjunction with the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Initiative aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for persons with disabilities, Mrs Otti said the program was designed to provide individuals, especially women and youths, and the vulnerable with skills and resources to harness solar energy for economic and social benefits.

According to her, the program seeks to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges by promoting the use of energy in underserved communities, adding “It will also address economic empowerment by training beneficiaries in solar panel installation, maintenance, and entrepreneurship, the initiative equips them with practical skills to create income-generating opportunities.

“It is also a major focus on empowering women and young people to actively participate in the renewable energy sector, fostering self-reliance and reducing unemployment.”

Mrs Otti emphasised the importance of inclusion, stating, “We gather here today not just to distribute solar equipment, but to create opportunities, break barriers, and reinforce our commitment to an inclusive society where every entrepreneur, regardless of ability, has the tools to thrive.”

She highlighted the numerous benefits of solar energy for small businesses including extended working hours, cost reduction, and improved productivity, adding that the program includes business registration support, capacity-building training, assuring that beneficiaries in the food processing sector would also receive assistance through obtaining regulatory approvals from NAFDAC to help scale up their businesses.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Tayo Dudu, CEO of TUDU Energy, highlighted the TUDU solar energy features, which include a 100-watt battery, a 30-watt solar panel, four LED bulbs, a Bluetooth speaker, radio, and four USB ports.

He assured the recipients of a two-year warranty and technical support, emphasising that they would continue to follow up on their progress and provide necessary support, warning “We will be visiting the recipients of these products in the coming months to monitor their progress. If we find out anyone has sold their solar system, we will take action accordingly”.

Also speaking, The Special Adviser to the Governor on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Mrs Chinwe Uba while commending wife of the President Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, and Wife of the State governor for the initiative, called on those yet to register their businesses to take advantage of the ongoing free registration of all business in Abia state to do so.

She said, “So what the government is doing, is trying to make sure that every one of us has something to do. If you are into cloth making, if you are into shoe making, if you are into any business, once you are into any business, come to us”.

On her part, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Blessings Felix said the present administration is disability friendly and has demonstrated it by setting up a commission for welfare of persons with disabilities including empowering the persons in various positions in the State.

She informed that the wife of the Governor decided to increase the number of beneficiaries to accommodate all and urged the 100 beneficiaries not to sell the items but utilise them properly.

In an interview, a beneficiary Kelechi Jacob with disability who sells provisions and recharge cards and also works as a POS agent, expressed her gratitude to the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs Priscilla Otti, for empowering her business through the Priscilla Otti Solar Empowerment Programme.

She noted that the solar power system would greatly improve her business operations, ensuring uninterrupted service for her customers, stating, “I am really grateful to the First Lady for this support. As a POS agent, having a reliable power source is very important for my business. This solar system will help me serve my customers better and increase my income. God bless her for remembering people like us”.

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