NEWS
Historic Relief at Government House as Gov. Alex Otti Begins Long-Awaited Annual Leave Allowance Payments as Jubilant Civil Servants Hail Restoration of Dignity in Abia Workforce
Civil servants at the Government House, Umuahia, erupted in jubilation on Monday as Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, commenced the payment of Annual Leave Allowance, fulfilling yet another key welfare promise to the state workforce.
The atmosphere at the seat of government was charged with excitement as staff trooped out in appreciation, describing the development as a long-awaited relief after years of non-payment. The spontaneous show of gratitude underscored what many workers called a new era of responsiveness and accountability in Abia’s civil service.
Receiving the jubilant workforce, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD., conveyed the Governor’s appreciation, noting that the workers’ decision to express gratitude was voluntary and heartfelt. He emphasized that such sincere appreciation would further motivate the Governor to deepen his commitment to workers’ welfare.
Pastor Ajagba linked the welfare reforms to Governor Otti’s pre-election commitments, stressing that the visible development projects and policy reforms across Abia State were deliberate and people-focused. He recalled that upon assumption of office in 2023, the Governor pledged to end the era of hardship, a promise he said has now translated into concrete action for civil servants and pensioners alike.
According to him, the Governor began by clearing salary and pension backlogs and has since institutionalized prompt salary payments, with workers receiving alerts consistently on the 27th of every month. He highlighted that since June 2023, salary payments have remained uninterrupted, complemented by the regular payment of 13th-month salaries and the swift implementation of the new minimum wage, which placed Abia among the first states to conclude negotiations and begin payment.
The Chief of Staff further noted that the Governor’s reforms are anchored on restoring dignity to the civil service, beginning with verification exercises to ensure transparency and fairness, and extending to welfare packages that directly impact workers’ morale and productivity. He urged civil servants to reciprocate the gesture through dedication, discipline, and improved service delivery.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha, commended the workers for their show of appreciation and described Governor Otti as a rare, worker-friendly leader whose approach to governance prioritizes human capital. He assured civil servants that outstanding welfare issues, including promotions, leave allowances, and other entitlements, are actively being addressed in collaboration with labour unions and relevant stakeholders.
Mr. Nwokocha reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to ensure that every entitlement due to workers is paid, stressing that the government remains serious and deliberate about labour welfare.
In her remarks, the Director-in-Charge of Government House, Umuahia, Mrs. Onyedikachi Ogwo, explained that the staff gathered primarily to express gratitude to the Governor through the Chief of Staff, particularly for the consistent attention given to Government House personnel. She acknowledged the numerous welfare approvals that have eased operations and boosted staff morale, while assuring the Governor of the unwavering commitment of the workforce to effective service delivery.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Staff Welfare Association of Government House, Comrade Oluchi Ubani, said the payment of the Annual Leave Allowance has brought immense joy to staff who had been owed for several years. She expressed appreciation to the Governor, the Chief of Staff, and other government appointees, and appealed for the implementation of pending promotions to further motivate workers.
The brief but colourful ceremony featured songs of jubilation and attracted top government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; the Special Adviser on Investment Promotion and PPP, High Chief Green Amakwe; the Senior Special Assistant on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Magdalene Ugoanusi; the Director-General of the Strategic Communications Bureau, Barrister Onyebunche Ememanka; as well as members of the Government House management team and other senior officials.
The event further reinforced the growing narrative of a reinvigorated civil service under Governor Otti’s administration, with workers increasingly optimistic about sustained reforms and improved w
elfare in Abia State.