Workers at the Government House, Umuahia, have praised Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti, for starting the payment of their Annual Leave Allowance, a benefit many of them had not received for years.The workers, who visited Government House on Monday, expressed joy and appreciation to the Governor for keeping his promise.
Speaking while meeting the workers, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, thanked them for coming to show appreciation to Governor Otti. He said no one forced them to come and described their visit as a true sign of gratitude.
He explained that the Governor’s actions across the state are in line with the promises he made during the election. Pastor Ajagba added that since Governor Otti took office in 2023, his government has been working to reduce the hardship faced by Abia people, especially civil servants.
He explained that the Governor began by clearing salary and pension arrears and has now started paying long-overdue leave allowances.He added that Governor Otti is committed to restoring dignity to the Abia State civil service.Pastor Ajagba noted that workers now receive their salaries regularly on the 27th of every month, without delay.
He added that the Governor pays the 13th-month salary every year and made sure Abia State was one of the first states to approve the new minimum wage. He called on workers to return the gesture by working harder and showing greater commitment to their duties.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Kingsley Nwokocha, thanked the workers for recognizing the efforts of the Governor. He described Governor Otti as a leader who cares about workers and assured them that the government is already working on other welfare matters, including promotions and outstanding benefits.
Mr. Nwokocha said the government is working closely with labour unions to ensure all workers receive what is due to them.The Director-in-Charge of Government House, Umuahia, Mrs. Onyedikachi Ogwo, said the workers gathered to thank the Governor for his efforts, especially towards staff of Government House.She appreciated other welfare support given to staff and promised that workers would continue to carry out their duties diligently.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Staff Welfare Association, Government House, Comrade Oluchi Ubani, said workers were happy to finally receive their Annual Leave Allowance after many years.She thanked the Governor, the Chief of Staff, and other government officials and appealed for the implementation of pending promotions.
The event featured songs and cheers in praise of the Governor.Those present included 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, Barr. Onyebunche Ememanka; and other government officials.
