Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has declared open a capacity building workshop for traditional rulers in Abia Central Senatorial District, charging royal fathers to uphold ethical leadership, promote peace and security, and strengthen grassroots governance in their respective communities.
The two-day workshop, organised by the Abia State Government in collaboration with the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The workshop is aimed at enhancing the leadership capacity of traditional rulers by equipping them with contemporary knowledge and practical skills in conflict resolution, administrative leadership, community development, public health advocacy, youth empowerment and collaboration with government and security agencies.
Speaking on Thursday at the Umuahia North Local Government Council headquarters, Governor Otti, said the workshop aims at equipping the Royal Fathers with updated tools in conflict resolution, administrative leadership, and strategic community development.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, said the training was designed to reconnect the enduring values of the traditional institution with the realities of modern governance.
The Governor added that the initiative would awaken the responsibility-consciousness of traditional rulers and position them to respond more effectively to the growing expectations of leadership at the grassroots.
“Our core objective is to awaken the responsibility-consciousness of our Traditional Rulers and connect the timeless wisdom of our rich community leadership heritage with the evolving demands of modern governance.
“This workshop therefore aims at equipping our Royal Fathers with updated tools in conflict resolution, administrative leadership, and strategic community development.
“No stagnant water embodies freshness. For any leader to remain relevant and progressive in the discharge of his duties he must keep abreast with contemporary developments and advancements in his society”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor described traditional rulers as critical partners in maintaining peace, stability and development across communities, adding that they remain much more than custodians of customs and traditions.
He reminded the royal fathers that the traditional institution carries profound spiritual and civic obligations, stressing that leadership must be exercised with integrity, justice and fairness.
“Our traditional rulers are not just custodians of native laws and custom; you are the first line of defence in community peace, stability and development.
“Traditional rulers occupy a sacred stool that demands accountability both to God and Man because the institution is deeply rooted in spiritual and ancestral covenants.
” Leadership at this level must reflect high ethical standards, justice, and fairness. Actions must protect the community’s spiritual heritage and honor ancestors.
“Such Power must be treated and soon for what it truly is: a temporary loan from a higher spiritual authority and custodians of sacred trust”, Governor Otti stated.
The Governor who noted that enduring leadership is built on continuous learning and adaptation, therefore urged the royal fathers to embrace new knowledge and contemporary approaches to governance.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka, described the traditional institution as a vital pillar of governance, culture and social stability, pointing out that communities flourish when their heritage and values are preserved.
She said the workshop was carefully structured to strengthen the leadership capacity of traditional rulers, improve their skills in conflict prevention, mediation and consensus-building as well as foster stronger collaboration with local government councils, security agencies and other development partners.
Lady Maduka added that the programme would also reinforce ethical leadership, transparency and accountability within the traditional institution and expose participants to practical strategies in sustainable community development, agricultural transformation, environmental management, youth empowerment and public health mobilisation.
She noted that the workshop would equally provide a platform for traditional rulers across the state to exchange ideas, share experiences and adopt best practices capable of promoting inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, the Traditional Ruler of Oro-Ibere Autonomous Community in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Eze Dr Stanley Ijenwa, described the workshop as timely and impactful and thanked the state government for organizing the programme.
He said the programme would broaden the knowledge of royal fathers on modern leadership and governance, improve their ability to resolve communal disputes peacefully and strengthen their partnership with government in advancing development at the grassroots.
The monarch expressed optimism that the lessons from the workshop would further empower traditional rulers to provide more effective leadership and contribute meaningfully to peace, security and sustainable development across Abia State.
Delivering a lecture titled ” Your Health, Lifestyle and Role in Promoting Community Health”, a medical Doctor, Joy Ogechukwu, urged traditional rulers to adopt healthy lifestyles and prioritise regular medical check-ups to remain physically fit for their responsibilities as fathers, custodians of culture and community leaders.
She emphasised that staying healthy is a vital step towards achieving effective leadership and the promotion of healthier communities.
The workshop attracted traditional rulers from Abia Central Senatorial District, senior government officials, resource persons and other stakeholders in local government administration.
