Abia First Lady Seeks Husbands’ Support for Nursing Mothers

Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has urged men to stand by their wives, particularly those blessed with multiple births, stressing that “no woman should be left to struggle alone.”

Mrs. Otti made the call in Umuahia when she visited Mrs. Ifeoma Ehighibe, who was recently delivered of quadruplets—three boys and a girl—through a Cesarean Section at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia.

Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, the Governor’s wife described the multiple births as “a miracle for the family and for Abia State.” She said her office had immediately mobilised support to ensure the mother and children received proper care.

She pledged sustained assistance to the family, noting that raising six children under present economic conditions was a huge task.

“We will not stop at visiting them in the hospital. We will stand by this family to ensure they raise these children successfully. My office is always open to support families blessed with multiple births,” she said.

Beyond emergency relief, Mrs. Otti highlighted her office’s broader programmes to support mothers, including the establishment of crèche facilities in government offices to create baby-friendly environments for nursing mothers in the civil service.

She also encouraged women to embrace exclusive breastfeeding, describing it as one of the most effective ways of ensuring healthy growth in children.

The Medical Director of FMC, represented by the Head of Nursing, Mrs. Nnenna Imo, commended the First Lady for her regular interventions at the hospital, which often include settling bills for vulnerable patients.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, said the visit brought “joy and relief” to families at the facility.

The children’s father, Mr. Chibueze Ehighibe of the Nigerian Correctional Service, expressed gratitude to the Governor’s wife for her support. He disclosed that though multiple births run in his family, the quadruplets were the first recorded in their lineage.

The visit was rounded off with donations of baby clothes, diapers, food items, rice, household essentials, and cash to the Ehighibe family. Other nursing mothers at the hospital also received gifts from the First Lady’s delegation.