Abia State First Lady, Priscilla Otti, Champions GBV Rehabilitation Bill

Summary: Abia State First Lady, Ms Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has initiated and championed a bill establishing a centre for survivors of rape, domestic violence and human trafficking. The bill was signed into law on Monday, April 20, 2026, by Governor Alex Otti at the Governor’s residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Abia State.

Abia State First Lady, Ms Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has championed a bill establishing a centre for survivors of rape, domestic violence and human trafficking. The bill was signed into law by Governor Alex Otti on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Governor’s residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Abia State.

The bill is officially titled Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Law, 2026. It aims to provide comprehensive support, psychosocial counselling, and legal assistance to victims of rape, defilement, domestic violence, and human trafficking. It also provides a legal framework for establishing rehabilitation centres dedicated to supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) through medical, psychological, and social reintegration services. 

During the bill’s signing, Governor Otti lauded his wife, Priscilla, for her initiative and efforts in championing the legislation, and commended the executive council and the technical team that worked on the bill. He described the abuse as a context outside of the African’s culture, noting that the crime was traditionally condemned and sanctioned. He stressed the need to address societal reorientation and outrun the real causes of gender-based violence. 

“While we were going to set up a few more centres, it is my conviction, and I believe that we will get there because there is no need for that. And the real issue is about re-orientation,” the governor said.

In her reaction to the bill’s assent, the state’s first lady, who initiated the bill, stated that the bill’s purpose is to offer renewed hope to victims, ensure access to support services, and provide rehabilitation opportunities to help them reintegrate into society.

“I am very elated for this coming to fruition. This bill gives hope to our women and girls and a hope that not only would they get support, but they would also be rehabilitated and given the support they need to move forward,” she said.

“This Law gives hope to our women and girls, a hope that not only would they get support, but they would also be rehabilitated and given the support they need to move forward as normal citizens,” she added.