1000 Indigent Pupils receives back to school support from Abia first Lady
The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has distributed back-to-school materials to 1,000 indigent pupils from 50 public schools across the 17 local government areas of the state.
Mrs. Otti said no child’s background should be a barrier to greatness, adding that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, excel and fulfil their potential.
The intervention, organised by the Safe Tent Care Initiative in collaboration with the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), is aimed at easing the financial burden on parents, encouraging academic excellence and improving access to education for vulnerable children, especially in rural communities.
Speaking in Umuahia on Friday, Mrs. Otti said the programme was designed to ensure pupils resume school adequately equipped and motivated to learn.
She disclosed that beneficiaries were selected from disadvantaged families, with consideration for academic performance to encourage excellence.
“This programme is an extension of our commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable children and supporting families facing economic difficulties,” she said.
The Governor’s wife recalled that the previous edition also assisted pupils and expressed optimism that future editions would reach over 2,000 children, subject to available resources.
She commended ASUBEB, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, head teachers and other stakeholders for their collaboration, and acknowledged the Peter Nwachukwu Foundation for inspiring her humanitarian efforts.
Mrs. Otti urged parents to remain committed to their children’s education and charged pupils to be disciplined, hardworking and determined to achieve their dreams regardless of background.
She called on individuals, businesses and organisations to support humanitarian programmes, announcing plans for the Rising Gems Talent Show and Gospel Music Concert to raise funds for vulnerable children.
In her remarks, the Chairman of ASUBEB, Lady Lydia Ezihe Onuoha, described the initiative as a demonstration of collective responsibility in advancing children’s education.
Onuoha said the materials would boost pupils’ confidence and ease financial pressure on families, noting that the gesture aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s educational transformation agenda.
She also celebrated Abia pupils who emerged overall champions at the 2026 International School Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, winning four trophies and 12 medals, and attributed the feat to the dedication of pupils, teachers and government support.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, said the intervention addresses challenges facing vulnerable children, stressing that poverty limits access to education and other essential services.
She commended Mrs. Otti and called for stronger partnerships among government, development partners and the private sector to support low-income households.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, said the programme goes beyond distribution of school materials to represent an investment in the future of Abia children.
The event attracted the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu; Principal Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer to the Governor, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu; Senior Special Assistant on Education, Mr. Kenechukwu Nwosu; Senior Special Assistant on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere; NUT Chairman, Comrade Kingsley Mmadu; wives of local government mayors, and other education stakeholders.