Abia Govt Extends Special Welfare Support to Persons Living with Albinism, HIV/AIDS Others

As part of its broader commitment to the welfare of vulnerable groups, the Abia State Government, through the Office of the Wife of the Governor, has extended critical support to persons living with albinism, HIV AIDS and sickle cell warriors.

During the outreach, 100 members of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, 300 persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS), and sickle cell warriors received bags of rice and a cash donation of ₦50,000 each to support their livelihood and wellbeing.

Speaking at the event, Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti said the intervention was driven by compassion and a firm belief that governance must be humane, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable.

Mrs Otti emphasised that while persons living with albinism face unique challenges, including skin-related health risks, other vulnerable groups such as people living with HIV/AIDS and sickle cell warriors also deserve attention, care, and dignity.

She noted that beyond food and financial assistance, her office has consistently provided persons living with albinism with essential protective materials to safeguard their skin and improve their quality of life.

Mrs. Otti reassured people living with HIV/AIDS and sickle cell warriors that they are not alone, encouraging them to remain hopeful, disciplined with their treatment, and confident that the Abia State Government stands firmly with them.

According to her, the administration of Governor Alex Otti, is intentional about combining infrastructural development with strong social protection policies, ensuring that progress in Abia State does not exclude the vulnerable.

The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, advised beneficiaries to continue to prioritise their health, adhere strictly to medical advice, and take advantage of available government support systems.

They assured them that the state remains committed to their wellbeing.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ABSACA), Dr. Uloaku Emma, expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support of Governor Otti to the agency, describing his leadership as people-centered and health-driven.

She called for continued public support for the Otti-led administration, noting that Abia State is experiencing renewed direction and measurable progress.

Responding, the Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Abia State, Mrs. Rebecca Eze, the Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, Mr. Enyinnaya Nwosu, and Miss Victoria, from the sickle cell warriors, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Otti for the intervention, describing it as timely, impactful, and a clear demonstration of government empathy toward vulnerable populations.