Alex Otti has renewed his call for increased female participation in governance, especially within the legislative arm.
He made the appeal on Wednesday in Onu–Igbere, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, during the funeral of Mrs Chiamaka Joyce Ibekwe, wife of Nnamdi Ibekwe, who represents Bende North State Constituency.
During the event, the governor also approved a request by Ibekwe to establish monuments in honour of Abia women, noting that women in the state have historically made significant contributions and deserve recognition.
He stressed that the proposal was not about an individual but about celebrating the legacy of women across the state.
“I want to thank Honourable Ibekwe for the request he made here. And the request was not about him. It wasn’t even about Chimamaka (the wife).
“It was about Abia women from inception. Our women have always been great women. If you don’t know, then you don’t know history.
“So, the request you have made, I want to assure you that it is not only going to be considered, but it’s going to be approved. And I believe it’s going to be a great encouragement to women who toil day and night.”
Otti reiterated his long-standing advocacy for women’s recognition and urged lawmakers to create room for more female representation in the State House of Assembly, which currently has no women.
“I have been at the forefront of fighting for women to be recognised and given their due place. And I want to challenge all of us, particularly members of the State House of Assembly, where there is no woman sitting.
“Today, 24 of you (House members) are men. So, the Right Honourable Speaker, you have a challenge in your hands.
“You either create more constituencies, or you ask some men to step down for women as we approach 2027. We need to find some women in the House.
“Even if we start with 4 out of 24, that would be better than zero. And women, you also need to unite and help us,” Otti stated.
The governor also sympathised with Ibekwe over the loss of his wife, describing her as a divine gift and encouraging the family to remain strong.
“We are thanking God for the gift of this woman lying here today. A special privilege that we had her in the first place.
“If you’ve spent time reading the tributes, or if you encountered her, then you would know she was a gift from God. And because she was a gift, the giver will always determine when he will take. So, it’s not for us to decide what will happen. So, we thank God for the gift of this woman.
“So, I want to call on all of you to take heart. Let me once again, console you on our behalf. Thank you for being a great husband,” Otti stated.
Earlier tributes described the deceased as virtuous, prayerful, and devoted, while a sermon by Rev. Mrs Oyiks Alfred encouraged Christians to remain hopeful in the promise of eternal life.
In his remarks, Ibekwe praised his late wife as a compassionate and devoted individual who impacted many lives, and reiterated his call for monuments to honour notable Abia women, citing their contributions since the 1929 Aba Women’s Riot.
The late Chiamaka Ibekwe, aged 46, is survived by her husband, four children, and extended family members.
