………Calls for stronger synergy with the Federal Ministry of Labour.
FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s unrelenting commitment to workers’ welfare, skill acquisition, and the fight against gender-based violence, emphasizing that his government operates with sincerity of purpose and a people-centred vision.
Governor Otti made this known while receiving the newly posted State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. (Mrs.) Helen Okpara, and her team to his office in Umuahia.
The Governor noted that the seriousness his administration attaches to skill acquisition and manpower development led to the launch of several transformative programmes across the state. According to him, the state recently trained 510 young people in Tech and Digital Skills, while another 850 trainees—50 from each of the 17 Local Government Areas—are currently undergoing intensive training in Aba under the TechRise initiative.
“We take skill acquisition very seriously. Beyond that, we have established a Leadership Academy and recently inaugurated a Technological Skills Acquisition Centre, chaired by Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe, an Abia-born inventor based in the United States who contributes to chip production for Apple,” the Governor said.
“Our goal is to equip Abians with globally competitive skills in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, 3D printing, Electric Vehicles, and other emerging technologies. The world has moved, and Abia must not be left behind,” he added.
Governor Otti disclosed that the State Government is also setting up additional skill centres in Mgbarakuma, Ubakala (Umuahia South), Ohafia, and Aba, to ensure even distribution of training opportunities across the state.
On the issue of gender-based violence, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Women Affairs to collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Labour’s Controller to ensure prompt response to reported cases without bureaucratic delays.
“We have a dedicated programme and a budget for gender-based violence. Wherever there is a case, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs should take it up immediately. Instead of calling the police, call the Ministry—they will handle it decisively,” he assured.
Governor Otti commended Dr. (Mrs.) Helen Okpara for her proactive engagement and also lauded the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Dr. Nkiruka Onyejiocha, describing her as “a proud daughter of Abia who is doing a fantastic job at the national level.”
Earlier in her remarks, Dr. (Mrs.) Okpara commended Governor Otti for his visionary leadership, infrastructural transformation, and commitment to workers’ welfare, noting that the administration’s reforms have positively changed the labour landscape in the state.
She particularly praised the improved road network in Aba, saying it has boosted business and industrial activities, while also acknowledging the Governor’s efforts in clearing salary arrears and ensuring prompt wage payments—especially at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, which previously faced recurrent industrial strikes.
Dr. Okpara also applauded the recruitment of over 5,000 teachers, describing it as “a bold and strategic move that has lifted countless families out of poverty” and aligns with the Federal Government’s Sustainable Skills for the Unemployed (SUSI) project.
She, however, called for stronger synergy between the Federal and State Governments in tackling child labour and gender-based violence, lamenting inadequate police cooperation which, she said, has slowed progress in those areas. She expressed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the Abia workforce and advocated the establishment of a functional Federal Skill Acquisition Centre in the state to empower non-tertiary youths with internationally recognized trade certifications.
Present at the meeting were the Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere; Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Kingsley Nwokocha; Senior Special Assistant on Labour Relations, Comrade Godson Anucha; and other top government officials.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
October 18,2025.
