Umuahia, Abia State – Civil servants at Government House, Umuahia, have lauded Governor Dr. Alex Otti for fulfilling his promise to pay their long-awaited Annual Leave Allowances.
Speaking during a brief ceremony on Monday, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, commended the workers for voluntarily showing appreciation.
“I want to, on behalf of His Excellency, thank each of you for coming to express gratitude. No one asked or forced you, and this gesture will inspire the Governor to do even more for the workforce,” Pastor Ajagba said.
He highlighted that the development projects visible across Abia State reflect Governor Otti’s campaign promises and are part of efforts to improve the lives of residents. “When His Excellency assumed office in 2023, he assured Abians that help was on the way. Today, that help has reached the people, especially the workforce. Salaries, pensions, and now leave allowances that were owed for years are being paid,” he added.
Pastor Ajagba further emphasized the Governor’s commitment to restoring dignity in the civil service, noting that regular monthly salary alerts and annual 13th-month payments have been consistently observed since June 2023. He also credited the administration with making Abia State the first in the region to implement the new minimum wage.
The Chief of Staff urged workers to reciprocate the government’s gesture with dedication and increased productivity.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Kingsley Nwokocha, described Governor Otti as “the first truly worker-friendly Governor” in the state’s history. He assured civil servants that other welfare packages, including promotions and benefits, are in the pipeline.
Director-in-Charge of Government House, Umuahia, Mrs. Onyedikachi Ogwo, expressed gratitude to the Governor for prioritizing staff welfare and prayed for his continued success.
Chairman of the Staff Welfare Association of Government House, Comrade Oluchi Ubani, said employees are overjoyed to finally receive their leave allowances after years of delay. She also urged the Governor to ensure pending promotions are implemented.
The ceremony, which featured songs of jubilation in honor of the Governor, was attended by senior government officials, including Special Advisers on Media, Investment, and Local Government Affairs, as well as management staff of Government House.
Leave a comment