Gov. Otti Shows Compassion, Approves ₦50 Million for Families of Civil Servants Who Died in the Last 16 Years

The Abia State Government has approved the payment of the long-awaited backlog of death benefits totaling over ₦50 million to the next of kin of 265 deceased civil servants, marking a major step in the state’s renewed commitment to the welfare of workers and their families.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing on Monday at the Government House, Umuahia, following this week’s State Executive Council (SEC) meeting.

Prince Kanu explained that the payment covers entitlements dating back 16 years, describing the move as a reflection of Governor Alex Otti’s compassionate leadership and his continuous effort to restore dignity and trust in the state civil service.

“The State Executive Council has approved the payment of the backlog of death benefits to next of kin of deceased workers of the Abia civil service, spanning over a period of 16 years.

This approval comes with a payment of over ₦50 million to the families of 265 deceased workers. This payment will be made to their verified next of kin. This is another welfare package for Abia workers made possible by this administration that clearly sets it apart from those before it,” Prince Kanu stated.

Beyond workers’ welfare, the Commissioner highlighted progress in the ongoing recruitment of health workers, revealing that documentation has begun for 607 successful applicants, while the portal has been reopened for applications from medical officers, consultants, dental officers, and ophthalmologists to fill existing gaps.

Kanu also announced that the first phase of the functionalisation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across Abia State has been completed, with another 52 PHCs currently being equipped. Additionally, Okpuala Ngwa and Ohanku General Hospitals have officially reached the site-handover stage, while Umunneochi General Hospital will follow soon. He noted that the cottage hospitals in Abayi and Nkporo are now fully functional, with Umuihe nearing completion.

In a related development, the Commissioner noted remarkable progress in the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) by the Ministry of Lands, with 420 C of Os signed in September alone and 1,432 year-to-date — almost matching the total number signed in the previous eight years combined.

“This 30-day C of O issuance is part of the improved ease of doing business now being enjoyed in Abia. In two years, 2,707 C of Os have been signed — a record pace compared to past administrations,” Kanu added.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, revealed that global health organizations are showing strong interest in partnering with Abia State, thanks to the revitalization of the primary healthcare sector.

He announced a new partnership with Sahlgrenska University Hospital for the establishment of an ultra-modern stroke and neurovascular centre in Abia, which will serve as the first of its kind in Africa.

Prof. Uche further highlighted Abia’s collaboration with PRO Health International, noting that during the most recent outreach in Amokwe Item, 3,463 patients benefited from over 6,500 medical interventions, including 115 free surgeries and 81 eye operations.

“One of the remarkable cases was a woman who had a 6kg fibroid for nine years and successfully underwent surgery. With these achievements, Abia is now recognized as a model for healthcare transformation in Nigeria,” Prof. Uche said.

The press briefing was 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.