In a wave of jubilation and appreciation, civil servants and workers across Abia State are celebrating Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for the recent payment of long-outstanding annual leave allowances.
The timely intervention has been hailed as a major boost to workers' morale, a restoration of dignity to the civil service, and a clear demonstration of the administration's unwavering commitment to the welfare of its workforce.
For years, many Abia State workers had endured delays and backlogs in the payment of their annual leave allowances, an entitlement meant to support rest, rejuvenation, and family well-being after dedicated service.
The settlement of these arrears under Governor Otti's leadership marks a significant departure from past experiences and has been widely praised as a fulfillment of his promise to prioritize workers' rights and prompt entitlements.
Speaking on behalf of thrilled civil servants, representatives from various unions and associations expressed profound gratitude.
"This payment has brought relief and renewed hope," one worker shared. "Governor Otti is walking the talk salaries are paid on time, and now leave allowances are being cleared. We feel valued and respected."
The initiative aligns with the broader reforms of the Otti administration, which has consistently emphasized transparency, fiscal responsibility, and people-centered governance.
By addressing inherited obligations and ensuring workers receive their due, the government is fostering a more motivated and productive public service.
Governor Otti, who assumed office with a vision to rebuild Abia State, has repeatedly affirmed that investing in human capital is key to sustainable development. "Our workers are the backbone of this administration's success," he has stated in various engagements. "When they are happy, productive, and secure, Abia thrives."
The payment of leave allowance is part of ongoing efforts to clear all outstanding entitlements, including related adjustments in sectors such as education, where progress on similar welfare issues for teachers and State Education Management Board (SEMB) staff has also been recorded.
Abia State workers have described the development as a "December to remember" in some quarters, with alerts hitting accounts and bringing much-needed financial support ahead of the year-end.
The administration remains committed to sustaining this momentum, ensuring regular salary payments, welfare improvements, and a dignified work environment for all public servants in Abia State.