Lady Nina Iheke Celebrates 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, Applauds Governor Otti and Wife for Empowering the Abia Girl

The Wife of the Executive Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area, Lady Nina Iheke, has joined millions across the globe to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” with a passionate call for renewed commitment toward empowering the girl child as a vital force for change and development.

In a message to mark the occasion, Lady Iheke commended the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for their outstanding dedication to advancing the cause of the girl child through inclusive policies, educational reforms, and empowerment initiatives that have transformed the lives of young girls across the state.

She described the theme of this year’s celebration as “a powerful reflection of the new Abia narrative,” where girls are no longer seen as passive beneficiaries but as active drivers of change. 

According to her, Governor Otti’s administration has continued to prioritize equal access to education, digital learning opportunities, healthcare, and leadership development for the girl child, all of which are key components of sustainable empowerment.

Lady Iheke also hailed the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, for her numerous programs aimed at nurturing confidence, innovation, and purpose among young girls, especially through mentorship and skill acquisition schemes. She noted that the First Lady’s vision for girl-child development has inspired a new generation of girls in Abia who are “bold enough to dream beyond limitations and lead with confidence.”

Highlighting ongoing efforts at the local level, Lady Iheke stated that the Aba North Council, under the leadership of her husband, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, is committed to implementing programs that promote education, leadership training, civic participation, and entrepreneurship among young girls within the local government.

“In Aba North, we are intentional about raising confident, educated, and visionary girls who will not only participate in change but lead it. The girl child is not weak, she is powerful, and the future depends on her courage and creativity,” she affirmed.

Lady Iheke urged parents, educators, community leaders, and policymakers to continue supporting the dreams and aspirations of young girls, emphasizing that every empowered girl represents the promise of a better and more equitable society.

She concluded by celebrating the resilience and brilliance of the Abia girl child, assuring that with the sustained support of Governor Alex Otti’s people-centered administration and the nurturing guidance of Mrs. Priscilla Otti, “the future of the Abia girl child is bright, bold, and boundless.”

Lady Nina Iheke reiterated that the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child should serve as a reminder that “the girl of today is the change-maker of tomorrow.”