Abia Workers Celebrate As Otti Begins Payment Of Long-Awaited Leave Allowance

Civil servants at the Government House, Umuahia, on Monday expressed appreciation to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, for commencing the payment of their long-awaited Annual Leave Allowance, describing the gesture as a major step toward restoring workers’ dignity in the state.

Receiving the jubilant workers, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, thanked the staff for voluntarily gathering to show gratitude, noting that their action reflected genuine appreciation rather than compulsion.

He said the administration’s ongoing developmental strides across Abia State were rooted in Governor Otti’s campaign promises to improve governance and workers’ welfare, adding that the government had cleared salary and pension arrears and sustained regular monthly payments since June 27, 2023.

According to Ajagba, the governor’s reforms are aimed at restoring confidence and dignity within the civil service through consistent salary payments, implementation of the new minimum wage, payment of 13th-month salaries, and now the settlement of outstanding leave allowances owed for several years.

He urged the workforce to reciprocate the gesture by demonstrating increased dedication, productivity, and commitment to duty.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Kingsley Nwokocha, described Governor Otti as a worker-friendly leader and assured civil servants that additional welfare issues—including promotions and other entitlements—were already being addressed in collaboration with labour unions and relevant stakeholders.

In her remarks, the Director-in-Charge of Government House, Mrs. Onyedikachi Ogwo, said staff assembled to convey heartfelt appreciation to the governor for various welfare approvals that have improved their working conditions. She assured the administration of their continued loyalty and effective service delivery.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Government House Staff Welfare Association, Comrade Oluchi Ubani, said workers were filled with joy following the payment of leave allowance that had remained outstanding for many years. She commended the governor and appealed for prompt implementation of staff promotions.

The brief ceremony featured songs of jubilation in praise of the governor and was attended by key government officials, including the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; Special Adviser on Investment Promotion and PPP, High Chief Green Amakwe; Senior Special Assistant on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Magdalene Ugoanusi; Director-General of the Strategic Communications Bureau, Barrister Onyebunche Ememanka; and other management staff.

The event underscores the Abia State Government’s renewed focus on workers’ welfare as part of broader governance reforms.