Otti Hails Abia Workers’ Commitment, Unveils Robust Welfare Packages on Workers’ Day
In a stirring address delivered at the Umuahia Township Stadium during the 2025 International Workers’ Day celebration, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, paid glowing tribute to the dedication and resilience of the state’s workforce while unveiling sweeping welfare reforms aimed at further energizing the public and private sectors.
Speaking under the theme “Partnership for Transformation,” Governor Otti praised the changing work culture across the state, noting a significant departure from the conventional 9-to-5 mindset to a more results-oriented approach. “You do not go home because it is 5 pm; you go home because you have effectively completed your tasks,” the Governor told an enthusiastic crowd of workers, union leaders, and government officials.
Governor Otti attributed the recent boost in worker morale and productivity to his administration’s deliberate focus on prompt salary and pension payments, improved work environments, and a strong commitment to transparency in governance.
Highlighting recent achievements, the Governor confirmed the full implementation of the N70,000 new national minimum wage for Abia workers—making Abia one of the first states to comply. He also revealed that health workers in the state have been placed on an enhanced salary structure aligned with federal standards.
In the education sector, over 5,000 teachers were recruited within the past year through a transparent process, and plans are underway to hire 4,000 more teachers and technologists to bolster manpower in schools and technical institutions.
The Governor also announced the recruitment of 771 health workers, tasked with supporting over 200 health facilities currently being constructed or renovated across the state. This aligns with his broader vision of revitalizing healthcare delivery in Abia.
Reaffirming his administration’s resolve to provide a conducive work environment, Otti listed several infrastructural upgrades including the renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, the establishment of a new secretariat for the Civil Service Commission, and the successful commissioning of the JAAC Building.
He also celebrated the rollout of the Abia Health Insurance Scheme, which has already enrolled over 20,000 civil servants, helping to improve access to affordable healthcare for government workers and their families.
The Governor did not shy away from lingering challenges. He disclosed that his administration has so far paid over N30 billion to offset inherited salary and pension arrears, while ongoing negotiations aim to compensate workers who were unjustly dismissed under previous administrations.
Reacting to this year’s Workers’ Day theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” Governor Otti acknowledged the economic difficulties many Nigerians are facing but urged hope and perseverance. “It is not the end of the road. Things will get better, and together, we shall smile again,” he said.
He ended his address with a pledge to maintain open lines of communication with labour unions, vowing to keep workers’ welfare as a top priority. “We shall always put you first,” he concluded.
The event drew commendation from labour leaders who hailed the Governor’s transparency and unwavering support for the state’s workforce.
