Ministry Of Poverty Alleviation And Social Protection, Abia State

16/02/2025

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mVYC50NlscHQg9zPWrEZ79KcHFHIi_Tg/view?usp=sharing

06/02/2025

ABIA STATE GOVERNMENT, UNICEF COLLABORATE ON SOCIAL POLICY REVIEW
Umuahia, Abia State - January 31, 2025

A 2-day workshop on the Abia State Draft Social Policy Review ended on January 30, 2025, in Umuahia, Abia State's capital. The workshop, organized by the Abia State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and funded by the European Union, aimed to review and build a legal framework for the state's social policy. The framework targets developing an equitable and functional Social Protection system that ensures social inclusion and expands protection to the most vulnerable groups to reduce poverty, unemployment and tensions.

The workshop, which began on January 29, 2025, brought together critical stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, civil society organizations, and development partners. Participants engaged in intense discussions and deliberations on the draft social policy, providing valuable inputs and suggestions for its improvement.
In her welcome address, the Abia State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Felix, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive social policy in addressing the state's development challenges.

She stressed that the workshop underscores Abia’s commitment in strengthening her social protection system, truly addressing the needs of Abia’s most vulnerable population, and that the outcome of the 2-day program will be pivotal towards building social protection policies or mechanisms robust enough to accommodate the various needs of Abians.

In her words, "the workshop represents a significant step forward in our government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening and enhancing the shock responsiveness of our social protection system, build a society where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. The whole essence is to create a framework that truly addresses the needs of our most vulnerable citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind".

She thanked the EU for funding the intervention and UNICEF for supporting implementation of the project, emphasizing that the workshop was carefully designed to bring together key stakeholders from across the state which includes social protection implementing and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
She emphasized that the reviews were not just about ticking boxes, but about creating a system that is adaptive, responsive and ultimately impactful; making Abia's social protection mechanisms robust enough to provide the necessary support and safety net to those who need it most.

She thanked the participants for engaging actively and constructively during the 2-day workshop, sharing insights, challenging status quo and working collaboratively to ensure that the policy reflects the divers needs of the people.

She mentioned that this is one of the several engagements that would hold in order to produce and enriched policy document for the state.

She also acknowledged the great work that the Executive Governor (H.E Dr. Alex C. Otti) is doing in the state and his commitment/efforts towards promoting the well-being of children, women, persons with disability, the elderly, and poor.

With the successful conclusion of the workshop, the Abia State Government and UNICEF are poised to finalize the social policy and begin its implementation, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to promote social development and improve the lives of its citizens.

22/12/2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AN ICON OF COMPASSION AND KINDNESS

To Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, on your special day, we celebrate not only your life but also your unwavering dedication to the welfare of others. Your selflessness, empathy, and generosity have touched countless lives, inspiring hope and transforming communities.

As the First Lady of Abia State, you have been a shining example of grace, elegance, and compassion. Your tireless efforts to promote education, healthcare, children's welfare and women's empowerment have made a lasting impact on our great state.

Today, we honor your birthday with gratitude, admiration, and love. May this special day be filled with joy, laughter, and all your heart's desires. May your life continue to be a beacon of hope, inspiring us all to strive for a better world.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency!

Hon. Mrs. Blessing Ngozi Felix
Hon. Commissioner For Poverty Alleviation And Social Protection

15/12/2024

15/12/2024

Towards Strengthening Social Protection Policies in Abia!

15/12/2024

ABIA STATE PARTICIPATES IN A WORK PLANNING SESSION FOR SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEMS IN NIGERIA PROJECT

Abia State was one out of four pilot states that participated in a recently concluded three-day closed work planning session, under the EUROPEAN UNION FUNDED SUPPORT TO SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEMS STRENGTHENING IN NIGERIA PROJECT, for the Federal and four selected pilot states (Abia, Benue, Oyo and Sokoto) held on 11-13 November 2024 at the Rockview Royale Hotels in Abuja.

The project is implemented by UNICEF, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, and hinges on the commitment of the Federal Government to strengthen and enhance the shock-responsiveness of the social protection system at the Federal and State levels.

The workshop brought together delegates from essential Social Protection coordinating and implementing MDAs in selected states with an aim to develop a project work plan for the states, provide an understanding of the various components of the project as well as foster collaborative engagement and cross-sectoral learning.

Social Protection is a mix of policies and programmes designed for individuals and households throughout their life cycle to prevent and reduce poverty and socioeconomic shocks by promoting and enhancing sustainable livelihoods and a life of dignity.

To ensure swift and smooth implementation of the programme, there is a need to put in place the required building blocks (infrastructure), clear institutional framework, and strengthen relevant capacity of the state.

The overall objective of the action is to ensure more people living in Nigeria have increased access to social protection during shocks.

OUTCOME:
By 2026, the Social Protection System is shock responsive at the Federal and state level with a reinforced policy framework and a financial mechanism integrated in the national budget and planning efforts.

It seeks to achieve the following output:

Output 1: Strengthened and functional National Social Register (NSR) expanded to integrate more poor and vulnerable people.
Output 2: Improved capacity of staff and policy makers at the National and State level on social protection.
Output 3: Strengthened National and State social protection policy and legal framework with the development of a social protection policy and bill, aimed at realizing the rights to social protection for consideration by the National and State Assembly.
Output 4: Enhanced Social Protection Management Information System that is interoperable at the vertical, horizontal level and across social sector - health and education MIS

METHODOLOGY
* Design and implement a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient social protection system in Nigeria that effectively supports vulnerable populations.
* Understand the current social protection landscape in Nigeria, identify gaps, and analyse needs.
* Expand and improve on existing social protection programs to ensure they are inclusive, equitable and targeted.
* Increase public understanding of the social protection programs thus ensuring broader participation and support.
* Develop mechanisms that ensure adequate resource management for long term implementation through effective monitoring/evaluation and accountability to stakeholders.

Consequently, the outcomes will create a resilient social protection system that is inclusive, sustainable, achievable and supports the vulnerable subsets of the population, which will in turn contribute to a broader socio-economic development goal.

The Abia State 12-man delegate was ably led by the coordinating Ministry/Hon. Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection (Mrs Ngozi Blessing Felix) and supported by the SA on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Alleviation (Mrs Ifeoma Thomas), with representation across critical MDAs (Budget and Economic Planning, Health, Tertiary Education, Basic and Secondary, Women Affairs, Agriculture, Health Insurance Agency, State Operations Coordinating Unit, Office of the Statistician General, etc.).

The Executive Governor of Abia State (H.E. Dr Alex Chioma Otti) was recognised and applauded as the only forward-thinking Governor in Nigeria that has shown proven committed to social protection, which is evident in the creation of the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection. Other states were encouraged to take a cue from Abia.

The draft state workplan for the project is expected to be finalised early in the new year and will be closely followed by a wider critical stakeholder engagement, before adoption.

SIGNED
Mrs Ngozi Blessing Felix,
Hon. Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection

08/09/2024

https://candidreporters.com/international-day-of-charity-abia-first-lady-clears-hospital-bills-of-patients-gifts-traders-in-umuahia-others/

The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has cleared the hospital bills of some patients at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Umuahia as the

08/09/2024

https://nationalwatch247.com/mrs-otti-empowers-women-pays-medical-bills-of-discharged-patients-to-mark-2024-world-charity-day/

08/09/2024

https://radionigeriaenugu.gov.ng/all-news/local-news/international-day-of-charity-mrs-otti-offsets-hosp-bills-empowers-traders/

GOV NWIFURU PROMISES RESUMPTION OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IN EBONYI, RELEASES NINE BILLION FOR OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP September 8, 2024September 8, 2024

08/09/2024

https://youtu.be/BmiFtpGBCTM?si=5ZYASjM9xDEqohULhttps://youtu.be/BmiFtpGBCTM?si=5ZYASjM9xDEqohULhttps://youtu.be/BmiFtpGBCTM?si=5ZYASjM9xDEqohUL

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CHARITY: Abia First Lady Clears Hospital Bills of Patients, Gifts Traders in Umuahia, OthersRead story on the link below 👇 https://cand...

06/09/2024

ABIA STATE JOINS GLOBAL COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CHARITY

UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE - SEPTEMBER 5, 2024

Yesterday, Abia State joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of Charity, a United Nations-designated day aimed at promoting charitable activities and philanthropy worldwide. The celebration which held in Umuahia, was marked with fanfare, goodwill messages, and philanthropic gestures.

The International Day of Charity, observed annually on September 5, honors the anniversary of Mother Teresa's passing in 1997. It recognizes the selfless contributions of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to make a positive impact on their communities. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of giving, volunteering, and charitable acts that improve the lives of others.

The wife of the Abia State Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, was at the forefront of the celebrations. She flagged off a series of charitable activities aimed at supporting vulnerable groups across the state.

During her keynote address, Mrs. Otti emphasized the significance of charity in building a more compassionate society. In her words, "Charity is not just about giving; it's about empowering others to create positive change. As individuals and as a community, we must strive to make a difference in the lives of those around us, especially now that citizens are going through the harsh economic realities in our nation."

To commemorate the day, the Abia State First Lady undertook the various initiatives:

1. Offsetting the hospital bills of patients in the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, who had undergone treatment and discharged but could not return home, due to unsettled medical bills. Noteably the case of a young who had been there for over a year after recovery.
2. She also supported small businesses at Orie Ugba market, with some seed money to help grow their businesses
3. The highlight of the day was the distribution of food and other relief item to beggars and homeless people around Umuahia Town.
4. A charity walk was also organized, bringing together government officials, community leaders, and residents to raise awareness about the importance of charity and philanthropy.

Reacting to the First Lady's initiatives, Mr. Stanley Ofor, a beneficiary of the offset medical bill, expressed gratitude, saying, "Today has given me hope, a chance live again and to improve my family's well-being, I had lost hope of ever leaving this hospital because I have no properties to sell or even a kind relative to call for help. I thank the First Lady for her kindness, may God Almighty bless her."

The Hon. Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Hon. Mrs Ngozi Blessing Felix, praised the First Lady's efforts, stating, "Her Excellency's commitment to charitable causes is inspiring. Her selfless work has positively impacted countless lives across Abia State."

The International Day of Charity celebration in Abia State serves as a testament to the power of philanthropy and community spirit. As the world continues to face various challenges, the importance of charitable giving and volunteerism cannot be overstated. The Abia State First Lady's initiatives have set a shining example for others to follow, inspiring a culture of kindness and generosity that will have a lasting impact on the state.

Documented are photos of Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, Abia State First Lady, presenting donations to market women, as well as her visit to the Federal Medical Center, during the International Day of Charity celebrations in Umuahia.