The Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, has hailed Governor Dr. Alex Otti for restoring dignity to the state’s civil service by fulfilling another key campaign promise – commencing the long-overdue payment of annual leave allowances to workers.
Ajagba made the remarks on Monday while addressing civil servants who had gathered at the Office of the Chief of Staff in Government House, Umuahia, to express their gratitude to the governor for the payment, which had been withheld for years.
“I want to thank the workforce on behalf of the governor for taking the initiative to show appreciation over the payment of their leave allowances,” Ajagba said. “Nobody forced you to come; this is voluntary. What you have done today will inspire His Excellency to do even more for you.”
He noted that the governor’s commitment to Abia workers goes hand in hand with the broader developmental projects visible across the state. “When Governor Otti came in 2023, he promised Abians that help was on the way. Today, everyone can see it. That help has reached the civil service, clearing outstanding salaries, pensions, and now, leave allowances,” Ajagba said.
Highlighting the ongoing reforms in the state’s workforce management, Ajagba said, “His Excellency began by verifying genuine civil servants, ensuring that everyone who is owed receives their entitlements. Since May 2023, salary alerts have been consistently sent out every 27th of the month, with additional benefits like the 13th-month salary. Abia was also the first state to implement the new minimum wage fully under his leadership. All of these measures aim to restore joy and dignity to our civil service.”
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Kingsley Nwokocha, reiterated the governor’s commitment to worker welfare. “For the first time in Abia’s history, we have a truly worker-friendly governor. Beyond leave allowances, we are addressing promotions, grade level adjustments, and other welfare concerns in collaboration with labour unions. Everything due to the workforce will be delivered,” he assured.
Director-in-Charge of Government House, Mrs. Onyedikachi Ogwo, praised the staff for gathering to show their appreciation, highlighting other welfare packages and approvals aimed at improving service delivery. She prayed for God’s blessings on the governor and affirmed the staff’s dedication to effective performance.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Staff Welfare Association of Government House, Comrade Oluchi Ubani, expressed the staff’s joy and gratitude for receiving their long-delayed leave allowances and requested that pending promotions be implemented.
The brief ceremony, marked by jubilant songs and celebrations in praise of Governor Otti, drew the participation of several government functionaries, reflecting the renewed morale within the Abia State civil service.