Governor Otti Approves New Pay Package For Abia Traditional Rulers (Video)

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has approved a new monthly stipend ranging from N250,000 to N350,000 for traditional rulers in the state.

This is a significant increase from the previous payments, which ranged from N25,000 to N50,000, a figure many considered insufficient for the responsibilities of the traditional institution.

The new pay structure, effective December 2024, reflects the administration’s recognition of the critical role traditional rulers play in fostering peace, security, and development in their communities. Governor Otti also approved a N150,000 Christmas package for over 500 traditional rulers to support their festive celebrations.

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Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mba, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti, describing the increase as historic and unprecedented.

“No former Governor in the state has so honored the traditional institution like Governor Otti,” he stated in a press release.

The traditional rulers also prayed for the Governor’s continued good health, wisdom, and resources to sustain his administration’s transformative agenda. They pledged to work with the government to maintain peace and security in their respective domains.

Governor Otti’s move marks a significant departure from previous administrations, which were criticized for neglecting traditional rulers. In past years, traditional leaders repeatedly complained about poor welfare packages, but this new policy now positions them as key partners in governance.

As part of the reforms, members of the Council of Traditional Rulers at the state level will receive an additional N100,000 monthly, with the same increment extended to traditional rulers at the local government level.

Beyond this policy, Governor Otti has implemented several people-oriented initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to inclusive governance. These include:

Infrastructure Development – Ongoing road construction, healthcare improvements, and education reforms.

Economic Empowerment – Support for small businesses through grants, soft loans, and promotion of Made-in-Aba products.

Security and Community Involvement – Collaboration with local vigilante groups to enhance security.

Transparent Governance – Efforts to combat corruption, ensure transparency, and manage state finances prudently.

Youth Employment – Automatic employment for corps members who excel during their service year.

Environmental Sanitation – Declaration of a state of emergency on refuse disposal, ensuring a cleaner Abia.

Governor Otti’s governance style continues to earn him admiration, not only within Abia State but across Nigeria. His financial prudence, transparency, and people-centered policies have rekindled hope in Abia’s progress. The latest pay rise for traditional rulers further cements his reputation as a leader who values all stakeholders in governance.

This policy move ensures that traditional rulers remain empowered to play their roles effectively while reinforcing the Governor’s vision for a New Abia built on inclusiveness, development, and accountability.