Otti Approves Discriminatory Package To Retain Teachers OmIn Rural Area
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has approved a discriminatory compensation package to incentivize teachers serving in remote public schools across the state. The initiative, aimed at addressing persistent staffing shortages in underserved areas, was announced during the December edition of his monthly media chat held at the Government House in Umuahia on Friday night.
Otti explained that the tailored compensation strategy is designed to attract and retain educators in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that all schools are adequately staffed to provide access to quality education.
“What we have done in the last few weeks is to put in place a discriminatory compensation package to encourage people to serve in those areas. My understanding is that people received it very well and in the next few weeks we intend to see that it has worked, so that we won’t have any institution or school that is understaffed,” he said.
The governor also revealed plans to recruit more teachers to bridge staffing gaps in rural communities.
Governor Otti noted significant strides made in Abia’s education sector, including the separation of the management of basic and secondary education from tertiary education to enhance oversight. Additionally, 20% of the state’s proposed 2025 budget—valued at N750.2 billion—has been allocated to education.
Highlighting key infrastructure achievements, Otti announced the completion and inauguration of several road projects, while others are ongoing. These include:
• Dualisation of the Onuimo to Abia Tower Road
• Reconstruction of Ntigha-Mbawsi-Umuala Road
• Umuopara Ring Road project
He further revealed that the proposed Abia Airport project, a collaboration between the Federal and State Governments, has been upgraded from an airstrip to a full-fledged airport. The state will provide the necessary land and logistics to support the project.
Governor Otti reported the rehabilitation of 200 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) to ensure each ward has at least one functional PHC. Additionally, preparations are underway for the construction of Abia’s Medical Village, with updates expected by Q1 2025.
In recognition of its leadership in healthcare, Abia State won $400,000 through the UNICEF Leadership Challenge, placing second in the South-East. Otti commended the Ministry of Health for the achievement, urging greater efforts to enhance the state’s performance in future competitions.
Otti announced the payment of 13th-month salaries to Abia State civil servants by December 18, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare. He also mentioned directives for resolving minor implementation issues related to the new minimum wage.
To address security concerns during the festive season and beyond, the governor stated that the state’s security architecture had been reorganized.
The governor disclosed that Abia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a company investing $120 million for palm production in the Ukwa region, with plans for further expansion.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Abia residents across key sectors, promising continued development efforts into 2025.
