Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Out of growing concerns for the rising cases of breast cancer globally, the Wife of the Abia state governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has reiterated the call for regular medical screening, to reduce the effect of the cancer menace.

She has also called for sustained public awareness, and stronger support systems for can er patients.

At the 2025 breast cancer campaign walk in Umuahia on Friday, Mrs. Otti through her pet project , the Safe Tent Care Initiative, in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Health, to commemorate the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Week described early detection and prevention as the most effective strategies for reversing the devastating trend of breast cancer.

Represented by the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Chidera Emetu, Mrs. Otti commended cancer survivors describing them as “beacons of courage and resilience whose stories inspire hope and determination in others,” and affirmed her support to those still battling the illness.

Delivering her address during the awareness walk, Mrs. Otti reflected on the significance of October as a month dedicated to celebrating survivors, supporting fighters, and honouring those who have passed away from the disease.

She noted that while Breast Cancer Awareness Month may be drawing to a close, the advocacy, love, and compassion must continue throughout the year.

“Breast cancer affects us all, regardless of age, ethnicity, or background.

“Therefore, get screened, show love, donate, share the word, and advocate for change. Every story is unique, every journey is personal, and every battle is courageous. To those currently battling, know that you are not alone — my support remains steadfast, to the survivors, your strength and courage are a beacon of hope for us all and to the loved ones who stand beside them, your love and care form the foundation on which they stand.,” she said.

Mrs. Otti further encouraged women to take their health seriously and undergo regular checkups, stressing that breast cancer is not a death sentence when detected early.

She called on communities, corporate bodies, and faith-based organisations to intensify awareness efforts and support research initiatives.

“Let us continue to uplift one another, share our stories, and celebrate the beauty of life.

“Together, we can make a difference and create a future where breast cancer no longer breaks hearts,” she concluded.

In her speech, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Betty Oguama commended the Wife of the Governor, the Abia healthcare community, and development partners for their proactive roles in promoting women’s health.

She urged women to remain health-conscious, vigilant, and proactive in seeking medical attention.

Contributing, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, restated the commitment of the Alex Otti-led administration to strengthening healthcare systems in the state, saying the event symbolised a renewed call for collective action—one that challenges citizens to unite, support those affected, and prioritise early detection.

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A Medical officer at the Government House Clinic, Dr. Kingsley Anyanwu, have health guidelines to the market women at Orie-ugba and Isi-gate markets during the awareness campaign. advising women to seek immediate medical attention whenever they notice symptoms such as breast lumps, itching, redness, folding or retraction of the nipples, or any unusual changes in their breasts.

Dr. Anyanwu further emphasised the importance of healthy living, urging women to eat organic foods, engage in regular physical exercise, and adopt lifestyles that promote long-term wellness and disease prevention.

The event featured a health walk through the streets of Umuahia, led by Mrs. Otti’s representative in the company of government officials, healthcare professionals, and members of advocacy groups.

The theme for the 2025 cancer awareness campaign is “Celebrating Strength in every unique story.”

By Editor, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has said that he was committed to making life more meaningful for Abia indigenes and residents through aggressive investments in healthcare and other welfare programmes.

Governor Otti who stated this on Wednesday in his office when he received a delegation of Nigeria Optometrists Association (NOA) .

The Nigeria optometrist association was in the state for the 48th annual conference and election of the association.

He said that Nigerians are challenged by so many things and therefore deserve to be assisted in any way possible.

“The average Nigerian is struggling, and whatever we can do to make life more meaningful and easier for them, this government would support you in doing that.

“The major point is that everything that the government does should be about the welfare of the people. Anytime a government is in place and people are complaining, that government had better look at its vision again.

“Because the essence of government and governance is the welfare of the people. Some people talk about security, but I actually want to subsume security under welfare because if you are not secured, then there’s no welfare and if you are not healthy, then no welfare. So everything is about welfare,” he said.

The Governor, who commended the association for all the impact it has made in Abia State, appreciated it for hosting the annual conference in the state, and described the theme of the conference, “Optometry in a Changing World” as apt.
He assured members of the association of his sustained support in whatever they may need, to make their stay comfortable.

Governor Otti noted the impact of his administration in healthcare sector, particularly, the establishment of the Abia State Eye care Management Bureau, which made Abia, perhaps the only state in the federation with such an establishment, and disclosed that the bureau has conducted free screening and treatments including surgeries for thousands of Abia citizens across the 17 LGAs.

Governor Otti assured to support a legislative backing for the decentralization of the National Vision Centre, Governor Otti assured that he would follow up with the bill at the National Assembly and encourage the visitors to make out time to go round the State especially, Aba – the commercial nerve centre of the South-East to see things for themselves before leaving the State.

Speaking earlier, the President Nigeria Optometrists Association, Dr. Chimezirim Anderson said that they were in the State for their upcoming National conference holding in Abia State on Thursday this week, which he said is significant, as it would feature election for his second term bid.

Dr. Anderson, who thanked Governor Otti for appointing their members to positions of authority, including Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, the Administrator of the Eyecare Management Bureau, Dr. Betty Emeka – Obasi, also saluted the Governor for the transformational developments taking place in Abia State, saying that in Governor Alex Otti, Abians got what they ordered.

He informed the Governor that the association has established vision centres across Abia, and added that Abia has the highest number of eyecare vision centres in the country. He requested the Governor to support the association to secure full legislative backing for the bill to decentralize National Vision Centre which is at the National Assembly and requested for a parcel of land for the Association to build their regional office in Abia State.

In her vote of thanks, the Administrator of Eye Management Bureau, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi thanked the National Association of Optometrists for choosing Abia as choice destination for her National Conference. She reminded the audience about the words on the marble by Governor Alex Otti who always says that, “capital is like a woman who goes where she is attracted to”.

She appreciated Governor Otti for creating the enabling and secured environment that attracted the National Association of Optometrists to pick Abia State as the choice destination with over a thousand Optometrists in the state and the economics of the National attention on Abia State as all hotels are completely filled in Umuahia.

Top government officials including the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, the Administrator of the Eyecare Management Bureau, Dr. Betty Emeka – Obasi among others were present at the visit.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Wife of Abia state governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has continued to champions fight against HIV/AIDS Stigma in the state.

Mrs. Otti, on Tuesday met with persons living with HIV and Aids under the auspices of Network of persons with HIV and AIDS and key population group at her country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa south LGA of Abia state.

She reaffirmed her commitment to improving the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS through advocacy, support, and empowerment.

She disclosed in that meeting her resolve to combat stigma and provide hope for affected individuals, saying that “HIV is not a death sentence” while urging those affected to embrace treatment and reject societal judgment.

In her words, “I am encouraged by the progress we are making to suppress the spread of the disease, but we must do more to prevent new infections and ensure a stigma-free society.

“This administration is dedicated to supporting every group in Abia State, including those living with HIV/AIDS.”

Mrs. Otti also announced plans to collaborate with critical stakeholders in order to domesticate laws prohibiting discrimination and stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS in Abia state.

To show more commitments to the course of controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS, she called on women and youth engaged in commercial sex work to seek alternative opportunities available for their means of livelihood.

She promised to initiate skill acquisition programs to empower and uplift them if they gave up such work.

Dr. Uloaku Emma, Director General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS, revealed that 46,788 individuals are currently undergoing treatment for HIV/AIDS in the state.

The DG highlighted some of the agency’s commitment to eradicating stigma as a critical step in achieving zero new infections.

Representatives from NEPWHAN and the KP group, including National Secretary Mr. Joseph Anosike and State Coordinator Mr. Agbai Okali, expressed deep gratitude for Mrs. Otti’s intervention.

They emphasized the importance of sustainable support which include job creation and continuous sensitization in addressing the root causes of vulnerability and controlling the virus.

The wife of the governor also presented some stimulus packages and cash gift to those present at the meeting.