ABIA: “Even a Blind Man Can See It, Things Have Truly Changed in Abia” — NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajero Hails Governor Alex Otti’s Transformational Leadership

…Commends Gov. Otti’s labour-friendly policies, education reforms, and infrastructural renewal across the State

The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajero, has showered glowing commendations on Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for what he described as a visible transformation and unprecedented progress currently taking place across the State.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Otti in his office on Wednesday, October 15th, Comrade Ajero declared that the changes in Abia under Otti’s administration are so remarkable that “even a blind man can see them.”

“Definitely, things have changed in Abia, even a blind man can see it. Anybody that enters Abia would notice the transformations going on here,” Ajero stated.

The NLC boss praised the Governor’s bold and people-oriented reforms, describing him as a leader who has restored hope to Abia workers and citizens through transparency, accountability, and responsive governance.

Ajero particularly applauded the ongoing renovation of hostels at Abia State University (ABSU), saying it reflects a renewed commitment to improving education and youth welfare in the State. He noted that unlike in the past, Abians now feel the impact of government in their daily lives through infrastructural renewal, prompt salary payments, and investment in public institutions.

Comrade Ajero, while acknowledging the Governor’s pro-labour stance, appealed for further support to the State NLC, including the donation of land for the construction of a befitting Labour House, provision of an operational vehicle, and direct remittance of the statutory 10% monthly check-off dues to the NLC National Headquarters.

In his response, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of Abia workers, noting that government and labour share a common goal, the wellbeing of the people.

“Our relationship with Labour has been very cordial, and we all work for the same purpose. At the end of the day, government is about the welfare of the people and who are the people? The people who work,” Governor Otti said.

He disclosed that his administration recently recruited 5,394 new teachers and is currently employing 771 health professionals to strengthen the education and health sectors. Otti further revealed that his government is clearing 16 years of accumulated death benefits owed to families of deceased workers and has already paid pension arrears inherited from previous administrations.

Responding to the NLC’s requests, the Governor approved a parcel of land for the construction of the NLC Secretariat, promised to assist in the building project, and pledged an operational vehicle for the State NLC. He also directed his Special Assistant on Labour Relations, Comrade Godson Anucha, and the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, to investigate the issue of non-remittance of statutory 10% check-off dues to the national body.

In his remarks, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, the State NLC Chairman, lauded Governor Otti’s consistent prioritization of workers’ welfare, noting that the present administration has ended the era of salary arrears and restored workers’ dignity.

The event was attended by top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu; Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere; Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Kingsley Nwokocha; and Special Assistant to the Governor on Labour Relations, Comrade Godson Anucha.

Comrade Ajero’s emphatic declaration that “even a blind man can see the transformation in Abia” stands as a powerful testament to Governor Otti’s reform-driven governance, one that is visibly redefining the narrative of leadership, labour relations, and development in Abia State.