Abia Clears ₦50m Death Benefit Backlog, Expands Healthcare Reforms Under Gov. Otti

The Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has approved the release of over ₦50 million to settle long-overdue death benefits owed to the next of kin of 265 deceased civil servants. The payments, covering a backlog of 16 years, reflect the governor’s strong commitment to workers’ welfare and justice for families who have waited years for their entitlements.

In a related development, the state has commenced documentation for 607 successful candidates in the ongoing health workers’ recruitment exercise. To further strengthen the healthcare system, the recruitment portal has been reopened to attract additional medical officers, consultants, dental officers, and ophthalmologists.

Governor Otti’s administration has also completed the first phase of the functionalisation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state, while 52 more PHCs are being equipped for activation. Construction site handovers for the Okpuala Ngwa and Ohanku General Hospitals have been completed, with Umunneochi General Hospital next in line. Meanwhile, the Cottage Hospitals at Abayi and Nkporo are now fully operational, and work on the Umuihe Cottage Hospital is nearing completion.

The Ministry of Lands continues to drive efficiency through the “C of O in 30 Days” initiative, which has greatly improved the ease of doing business in Abia. In September alone, 420 Certificates of Occupancy were issued, bringing the total to 1,432 this year and 2,707 within two years—nearly equaling the total issued over the previous eight years combined.

Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, revealed that Abia’s revitalized healthcare system has drawn increasing attention from global health organisations. A recent collaboration with PRO Health International provided over 6,500 medical interventions, including 115 free surgeries and 81 eye operations during an outreach in Amokwe Item.

In a groundbreaking achievement, Abia State has been chosen by Sahlgrenska University Hospital to host an ultra-modern Stroke and Neurovascular Centre—the only one of its kind in Africa—recognizing the state’s rapid health sector transformation.

The media briefing, attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the State Director of Information, Lady Chika Orji-Nwoke, highlighted Abia’s ongoing transformation rooted in transparency, progress, and people-centered governance.