Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has officially flagged-off the 2025 Abia State Traditional Rulers Capacity Building Workshop in the state organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in collaboration with PHRIAMS Group of Consults.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the JAAC Building Auditorium Umuahia, Governor Otti disclosed that revitalizing the traditional leadership which is in line with his administration’s vision for a new and prosperous Abia requires the coming together of all to pay the sacrifice to drive the process.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba while describing the theme of the workshop, “Revitalizing Traditional Leadership for a New Abia,” as apt, reminded traditional rulers of their role in conveying the concerns, needs and expectations of the people to government, promoting of cultural heritage, contributing to development at the rural level by attracting patronage and mobilizing the people to embark on developmental projects in line with the aspirations of the government in power.
The State Chief Executive described the traditional institution as the mouthpiece of the people especially those at the grassroots which is saddled with the responsibility of mediating between the people and the state, maintaining law and order, resolving conflicts and fostering national unity and identity as well as ensuring that the programs and policies of the present administration are understood and implemented across all levels.
He frowned at the spate at which corruption has invaded the domain of traditional institutions leading to pervation of Justice to favour the rich and influenctial in society, and called on the participants to use the opportunity to take a holistic view, do a thorough introspection and partner his administration in actualizing the new Abia that everyone will be proud of.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzo Nwachukwu expressed optimism that the program will signpost a new era of traditional rulership in Abia, where traditional rulership will not be in just wearing of long kingly robes and crowns, celebration of cultural festivals, basking in the allure of titles but will rather demand understanding the roles of a traditional ruler in security, youth development, local justice systems, grassroots mobilization for good governance and positive projects.
In her speech, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka explained that the objective of the workshop has been structured around seven core modules each designed to address real issues and enhance the capacity of traditional rulers as modern leaders grounded in tradition.
In his remarks, the State Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Mbah while commending Governor Alex Otti for initiating the workshop and the ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for organizing and making the training seamless, said the exercise will afford traditional rulers across the state the opportunity to learn and revitalize the traditional institution as well as keep them abreast of the expectations of government as it concerns their roles.
In a vote of thanks, the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Nnamdi Elekwachi, appreciated Governor Otti for approving the workshop which is the first of its kind since the creation of the state and urged traditional rulers in the state to ensure they participate actively in the workshops technical sessions holding at designated centres across the state.
The flag-off ceremony which featured goodwill messages attracted the presence of the state Head of Service, Mr Benson Ojeikere represented by the Permanent Secretary, Labour and Productivity, Mrs Ijeoma Clara-Dim, Special Adviser to Abia State Governor on Budget and Planning, Dr Eric Egwuibe, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdaline Ugoanusi, top government officials, traditional rulers among other notable personalities.
