Workers at the Government House, Umuahia, on Monday praised Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, following the commencement of payment of their annual leave allowance—an entitlement many said had remained unpaid for years.
The workers, who gathered at the Government House in a show of appreciation, described the development as a clear departure from past practices when leave allowances were irregular or not paid at all.
Receiving the workers, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, said the payment was part of the administration’s broader effort to restore dignity and confidence in the state’s civil service.
“I want to, on behalf of His Excellency, thank each and every one of you for finding time to come and show appreciation to the governor,” Ajagba said. “Nobody forced you to be here, and this show of gratitude will encourage His Excellency to do even more for the workforce.”
He noted that Governor Otti has prioritised workers’ welfare since assuming office in 2023, highlighting the clearance of salary and pension arrears and the consistent payment of monthly salaries.
“Today it is clear that help has arrived. The governor began by clearing outstanding salaries and pensions, and today, many workers who had been owed leave allowances for several years are finally receiving what is due to them,” Ajagba added.
He further disclosed that the administration has sustained the payment of the 13th-month salary and implemented the new minimum wage, describing the measures as deliberate steps to rebuild trust between the government and civil servants.
Ajagba urged workers to reciprocate the gesture by remaining dedicated to their duties.
The Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Kingsley Nwokocha, said the state government was engaging labour unions on other outstanding welfare matters, including promotions and related entitlements, assuring workers that their concerns were receiving attention.
He described the payment of the leave allowance as part of ongoing labour reforms in the state.
Also speaking, the Director-in-Charge of Government House, Mrs Onyedikachi Ogwo, said the workers visited to formally express their gratitude to Governor Otti for his consistent focus on staff welfare.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Staff Welfare Association of Government House, Comrade Oluchi Ubani, said the payment had boosted staff morale, noting that the leave allowance had not been paid for several years.
She appealed to the government to fast-track the implementation of staff promotions.
The event was attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma; the Special Adviser on Investment Promotion and PPP, High Chief Green Amakwe; the Senior Special Assistant on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Magdalene Ugoanusi; and the Director-General of the Strategic Communications Bureau, Onyebunche Ememanka.