Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has renewed his call for greater inclusion of women in governance, particularly within the legislative arm of the state.

The governor made the appeal on Wednesday at Onu-Igbere in Bende Local Government Area during the burial of Mrs. Chiamaka Joyce Ibekwe, wife of the member representing Bende North State Constituency, Nnamdi Ibekwe.

During the event, Otti also approved a request to erect monuments in honour of distinguished Abia women, a proposal put forward by the lawmaker.

He emphasised that the request was not personal but a recognition of the historic and ongoing contributions of women in the state, noting that Abia women have always played vital roles in society.

According to the governor, the time has come to give women their rightful place in governance, challenging members of the Abia State House of Assembly to address the current lack of female representation.

“Today, all 24 members of the House are men. That is a challenge,” he said, urging lawmakers to either create additional constituencies or make room for women ahead of the 2027 elections.

He suggested that even a modest inclusion—such as four women in the 24-member Assembly—would mark a significant improvement from the current situation.

Otti also called on women to organise and support one another in order to take advantage of emerging opportunities in politics.

While addressing the bereaved family, the governor described the late Chiamaka Ibekwe as a gift from God, urging her husband and loved ones to take solace in faith.

“We thank God for the gift of her life. As a gift, only the giver determines when to take,” he said, encouraging mourners to remain strong despite the loss.

Earlier, tributes from the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Maureen Aghukwa, and family friends described the deceased as a virtuous, prayerful, and devoted Christian whose passing has created a significant void.

In her sermon, Rev. Mrs. Oyiks Alfred of Word Base Assembly reminded attendees of the Christian hope of eternal life, urging them not to grieve without hope.

The chief mourner, Nnamdi Ibekwe, described his late wife as a selfless and compassionate woman who touched many lives through her faith and kindness. He reiterated his call for the state government to immortalise the contributions of notable Abia women, noting their historic role dating back to events like the Aba Women's Riot.

The late Chiamaka Ibekwe, aged 46, is survived by her husband, four children, and other relatives.

The funeral was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, members of the State House of Assembly, commissioners, traditional rulers, and other prominent figures.