Civil servants at Government House Umuahia erupted in celebration Monday as Governor Alex Otti fulfilled his promise by commencing payment of annual leave allowances owed for several years. The jubilant workers gathered voluntarily at the Government House to express gratitude for the payment, which marks another milestone in the administration’s commitment to restoring dignity to Abia State’s workforce.
Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, receiving the workers on behalf of the Governor, praised their spontaneous show of appreciation and assured them that their gratitude would encourage the administration to do more for their welfare.
Pastor Ajagba emphasized that Governor Otti’s developmental achievements across Abia State stem from fulfilling electioneering campaign promises made before his 2023 election. He noted that the Governor told Abians to weep no more because help was on the way, and today that help has manifestly arrived, touching every sector including the workforce.
The Chief of Staff highlighted how the administration started by clearing all outstanding salaries and pensions, with the leave allowance payment representing the latest in a series of interventions designed to restore joy and dignity to civil servants who had suffered years of neglect.
The administration’s systematic approach to workforce welfare began with staff verification to identify genuine civil servants, followed by guaranteed monthly salary payments every 27th since June 2023, according to Pastor Ajagba. He pointed out that Abia State became the first state to conclude implementation of the new minimum wage, while also paying 13th month salaries annually.
The Chief of Staff urged workers to reciprocate these gestures through dedication and increased productivity in discharging their duties, emphasizing that Governor Otti’s primary mission is restoring dignity to the state’s civil service.
Commissioner for Labour and Productivity Kingsley Nwokocha described Governor Otti as the first worker-friendly governor in Abia State’s history, assuring civil servants that additional welfare needs including promotions and other entitlements are currently being addressed. He confirmed that his ministry is working seriously with labour unions and trade unions to ensure workers receive everything due to them.
Mrs. Onyedikachi Ogwo, Director-in-Charge of Government House, led the staff in expressing gratitude for various welfare packages and approvals that have made their work easier, pledging continued commitment to effective service delivery.
The celebration, which featured jubilation songs praising the Governor, was attended by senior government officials including Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser on Investment Promotion High Chief Green Amakwe, and Director-General of Strategic Communications Bureau Barrister Onyebunche Ememanka.
Comrade Oluchi Ubani, Chairman of the Staff Welfare Association, expressed the workers’ joy over receiving the long-awaited leave allowance while requesting the Governor to direct implementation of pending promotions, demonstrating the workforce’s confidence in the administration’s continued commitment to their welfare and professional advancement.
