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In a landmark address during the 2025 International Workers’ Day celebration at Umuahia Township Stadium, Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, unveiling transformative reforms in pay, infrastructure, and employment.

“We have gathered as members of one community to join the rest of the world in honouring the commitments and sacrifices of the men and women whose dedication keeps the wheels of social and economic prosperity turning,” Governor Otti said to a cheering crowd of civil servants, union leaders, and dignitaries.

A Shift Toward a Productivity-Driven Work Culture

The governor praised the evolving work ethic under the “New Abia” initiative. “I am glad that the 9 am to 5 pm orientation is gradually fading… it is possible to operate a 24-hour economy in the State,” he noted, highlighting civil servants’ increasing commitment to productivity.

He linked this improvement to better treatment of workers. “Only a dishonest person would imagine that an employee whose entitlements have not been paid for several months would put in their best at work,” Otti said. “We have been faithful to our campaign promise of regular and prompt payment of workers’ entitlements. Salaries and pensions will continue to be paid by or before the 28th of every month.”

Historic Wage and Compensation Milestones

Governor Otti announced a milestone in wage policy: “We are not just paying the N70,000 new minimum wage; we are paying it promptly and regularly. We have introduced even higher wage rates for employees in the critical development sectors.” He added that healthcare workers had just been placed on pay parity with federal counterparts.

Infrastructural Upgrades for a Better Workplace

Beyond salaries, Otti spotlighted infrastructural improvements: “The Nnamdi Azikiwe and the new secretariats here in Umuahia have undergone major structural transformation and facility upgrades… with power and water supply fully restored to guarantee optimal productivity and comfort for the staff.”

Projects completed include the JAAC Building, Budget and Planning Office annexes, and ongoing upgrades at Government House. “The new structures are supported by independent energy sources, water supply systems, and high-speed internet network,” he said.

Expanding Employment Opportunities in Education and Health

The governor celebrated recruitment milestones. “We have employed 5,000 new teachers through a transparent recruitment process,” he said. “We shall soon announce modalities for recruiting 4,000 more teachers and technologists to usher in the golden age of teaching and learning in our schools.”

On healthcare, Otti said: “This week, I gave approval for the recruitment of 771 health workers. We are building and retrofitting over 200 health facilities statewide.” He also highlighted the launch of the formal sector health insurance program, now enrolling 20,000 civil servants and growing.

Addressing Past Challenges and Promoting Equity

Governor Otti acknowledged unresolved issues. “We have not met 100% of your demands… We have committed over N30 billion to offset arrears,” he explained. He vowed to compensate workers dismissed by previous administrations: “We must never be known as a State that discriminates… Abia will always be welcoming to all hardworking men and women.”

Responding to labour leaders’ requests, he assured: “Each request shall be painstakingly considered and actions taken as required — subject to the availability of resources.”

Hope Amid Economic Hardship

Speaking on the theme “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” Otti urged optimism: “We must remain honest in our assessment even as we continue to look to the future with optimism… It is not the end of the road; things will get better and together, we shall smile again.”

A Commitment to Workers First

Concluding, Otti declared: “My commitment to you, Abia workers, is that we shall always put you first because you deserve no less. Together, we shall build a State that works for every hardworking man and woman.”

The governor’s remarks drew applause from union leaders, with one describing his speech as “a clear blueprint for partnership and progress.”

As Abia marks Workers’ Day 2025 under this banner of transformation, many see Governor Otti’s policies as setting a new benchmark for state governance, placing workers at the heart of development.

Keywords: Abia Workers Day 2025, Governor Alex Otti speech, Abia State workers welfare, N70,000 minimum wage Abia, New Abia reforms, employment in Abia, Abia teachers recruitment, Abia health workers recruitment, Abia State infrastructure upgrades, Abia civil service reforms

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