The Abia State Government has commenced the payment of outstanding gratuities to verified retired civil servants and local government workers who exited service between 2001 and 2010, marking a major step towards clearing a long-standing backlog that has subjected retirees to years of financial hardship.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made  this known while briefing Journalists  on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Chioma Otti.
Sir Kanu said the payment followed a comprehensive review by a committee constituted by the Governor to determine the true extent of the state’s outstanding gratuity obligations and develop a sustainable framework for their settlement.

According to him, the review established the total outstanding gratuity liability of the state and local governments at N61.8 billion, comprising N7.2 billion incurred between 2001 and 2010, N43.6 billion between 2011 and May 2023, and N10.9 billion accumulated from May 2023 to date.

He said the present administration inherited the huge liability and could not realistically clear 24 years of accumulated arrears within three years, but stressed that the government was determined to establish a system that would ensure continuous payment without creating fresh arrears.
“The government is committed to addressing this challenge in a responsible and sustainable manner. We cannot realistically clear the mess of 24 years within three years, but we are determined to establish a system that guarantees continuous payment and prevents the accumulation of fresh arrears,” Kanu stated.

The Commissioner explained that the annual financial implications of the gratuity payments from 2026 to 2031 would be incorporated into the state’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and subsequently reflected in annual budgets to guarantee a consistent and sustainable payment process.
He disclosed that payments would be made directly to verified beneficiaries through a dedicated gratuity payment platform linked to the State Treasury Single Account, with biometric validation to prevent duplication, fraud and other irregularities.

Sir Kanu added that the retirees’ database would undergo further cleaning and validation, noting that some records relating to years of service and previous payments remained in analogue form.
He assured retirees that subsequent payments would prioritise the oldest arrears and beneficiaries facing the greatest social impact.

The Commissioner said beneficiaries had already started receiving their gratuity payments across the state, describing the initiative as part of Governor Otti’s commitment to responsible governance and the welfare of workers and retirees.

To address complaints and enquiries arising from the payment process, the government has established a dedicated helpline through the Abia State Citizens Contact Centre. The helpline, 0800-000-0232, will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on working days, while complaints may also be submitted through contactcentre@abiastate.gov.ng, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu, confirmed that the current phase of payment covers retirees from 2001 to 2010, stressing that the government would defray the outstanding gratuity in phases because of the huge financial commitment involved.

Meanwhile, the State Government has announced the resolution of the issues that triggered the recent industrial action by workers of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU).
Kanu said the resolution followed the intervention of a committee led by the Secretary to the State Government and constituted by Governor Otti to address the issues surrounding the strike.

He explained that the Governor had approved the workers’ demands as far back as April 2026, but implementation was delayed by administrative processes.
According to him, outstanding check-off dues have been paid, while the new salary structure, Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowance (CATA) and other related payments have been processed for payment with the August 2026 salaries.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to constructive engagement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other organised labour unions, stressing that workers’ welfare remained a priority of the government.

Responding to the issue of a suspended lecturer at ABSU, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the matter remained an internal affair of the autonomous university.
Ekeoma noted that the Otti administration had cleared 11 months of salary arrears inherited by the previous administration . The Governor had also initiated landmark projects at the university and resolved the long-standing problem that prevented graduates of the Faculty of Law from proceeding to the Nigerian Law School

On healthcare, Sir Kanu announced that Governor Otti would commission the newly completed Obingwa General Hospital at Mboko, Obingwa Local Government Area, describing the facility as a modern healthcare institution equipped with digital health infrastructure.
He disclosed that Strategic Community Health Oversight Teams had been inaugurated in four Local Government Areas, while the Abia State Diaspora Healthcare Fund was inaugurated on Saturday, August 22.
The fund, he explained, is designed to support health insurance enrolment for indigent and vulnerable citizens, particularly those in the informal sector.

He added that health insurance enrolment in the state had risen to 269,900 persons, while recruitment of medical officers, dental officers and consultants remained ongoing.

The Commissioner further said Abia recorded no cases during the period under review of major diseases of public health importance, including Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, diphtheria, cholera, mpox and yellow fever.

The Commissioner also announced the conclusion of the recruitment process for the second batch of teachers, with 4,074 successful candidates receiving appointment notifications.
He said the exercise was conducted transparently and on merit, with 50.5 per cent established as the overriding cut-off mark.
The successful candidates are expected to commence onboarding and orientation next week before deployment to areas where their services are most needed.
Sir Kanu said the state’s Smart Schools Project had also attracted national attention, with a ministerial committee from the State Universal Basic Education Board recently visiting Abia to assess its success and impact.

On power infrastructure, the Commissioner disclosed that the state government was pursuing additional measures to improve electricity supply within the Umuahia ring-fenced area.
The plans include licensing a generation plant within the area and evacuating available generation capacity from the Alaoji Power Plant.

Sir Kanu reiterated that the developments reflected the administration’s broader agenda of rebuilding institutions, restoring public confidence, expanding access to quality education and healthcare, strengthening infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth.
He reaffirmed the Otti administration’s commitment to building a “New Abia” where institutions are strengthened, governance works and citizens increasingly feel the impact of purposeful leadership.

In a renewed effort to strengthen security awareness and promote a safe learning environment across Abia State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abia State Command, has launched a comprehensive statewide School Safety Sensitization and Reach-Out Programme in partnership with the Civil Defence Officers’ Wives Association (CDOWA), Abia State Chapter.

The initiative, which commenced on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, is designed to educate students, school administrators, and teachers on emerging security threats, personal safety measures, self-defence, and the dangers associated with illicit drug trafficking and abuse. The programme also includes the donation of educational materials to students and sanitary products for the girl child as part of efforts to enhance learning and promote the welfare of schoolchildren.
Launching the campaign at the Command Headquarters in Umuahia, the State Commandant, CC Chukwuemeka N. Odimba, FCIA, KSM, JP, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at building a generation of security-conscious citizens.

According to him, the programme is intended to instill a culture of vigilance and responsibility among young people while equipping teachers with the knowledge needed to respond effectively to security challenges within school environments.
“The School Safety Sensitization Exercise is a carefully designed programme to build a culture of security consciousness and alertness among our children and the teaching staff. We believe that if we get it right at this level, our society will undoubtedly become safer,” the Commandant stated.
Commandant Odimba explained that the sensitization campaign represents the second phase of the Command’s Safe School initiative, following the successful completion of a comprehensive security assessment tour of unity schools, colleges of education, polytechnics, and universities across Abia State.

He noted that findings from the assessment informed the need to embark on an extensive reorientation and awareness campaign aimed at preventing security breaches and creating peaceful learning environments throughout the state.
“This is the next stage of the Command’s comprehensive plan to safeguard our children, protect teachers, and ensure that schools remain secure centres for learning and development,” he added.
The State Commandant commended the Civil Defence Officers’ Wives Association (CDOWA), Abia State Chapter, for its unwavering support and commitment to humanitarian services. He particularly praised the State Chairperson, Lady Ijeoma Odimba, who also serves as the wife of the State Commandant, for championing programmes that promote peace, education, and the welfare of vulnerable children.

He highlighted the association’s numerous interventions, including security sensitization workshops, provision of educational materials, scholarships for indigent students, and distribution of sanitary products to female students, describing the initiatives as critical investments in the future of the state.
As part of the outreach, the team visited Comprehensive Secondary School, Umuda, where the Head of the Safe School Unit, CSC Umezurike Chinyere, educated students on personal security awareness, self-defence techniques, and the importance of remaining vigilant against criminal activities.
She emphasized that security is a shared responsibility and urged students to always report suspicious activities to appropriate authorities while maintaining discipline and patriotism.
Responding on behalf of the school, the Principal, Mrs. Ezenwa Ngozi A., expressed profound appreciation to the NSCDC and CDOWA for extending the programme to the school.
She noted that beyond safeguarding lives and property, the initiative would help build responsible, security-conscious, and patriotic young citizens capable of contributing positively to society.

The sensitization exercise has also been successfully conducted at Abayi Community Secondary School, Abayi, where the Principal, Mr. Francis Victor Pecker, applauded the initiative and appealed for its sustainability to ensure more students benefit from the programme.
Other beneficiary institutions visited include Ogbodiukwu Community Secondary School, Ogbodiukwu, Umuahia South Local Government Area, and Lohum Secondary School, Bende Local Government Area, where educational materials were distributed following security enlightenment sessions.
The NSCDC Abia State Command disclosed that the campaign will continue across the remaining schools in the state, with plans to ensure that every student benefits from security education, while educational and sanitary materials are distributed to support learning and improve the wellbeing of schoolchildren.
The Command and CDOWA also appealed to corporate organizations, philanthropists, public-spirited individuals, and other stakeholders to partner with the association in expanding the programme’s reach to every school across Abia State.

The initiative underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to proactive crime prevention through public enlightenment, community engagement, and strategic partnerships geared towards creating a peaceful, secure, and crime-free society.

Onyebuchi Juliet Nwabu .

FIC Correspondent: Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

22rd July 2026.

The spirit of intellectual engagement, academic excellence and educational advancement came alive in Umuahia as Vision Africa Radio 104.1FM, in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, held the 2025/2026 School Debate Prize Presentation Day, marking the 14th physical edition and 15th year of the highly celebrated academic competition.

The event, which attracted students, education stakeholders, government representatives, teachers and dignitaries from across the state, showcased the brilliance and critical thinking abilities of students who debated on the thought-provoking topic: “Is the grading system an accurate measure of a student’s intelligence?”

The competition, known for promoting healthy intellectual discourse among secondary school students, once again demonstrated the importance of education in shaping future leaders.

At the end of the keenly contested debate, Gradiel International School, Umuahia, emerged as the overall winner with an impressive 409 points, defeating other competing schools to clinch the prestigious first position.

University Demonstration School, Ihie Ndume, Umuahia, came second with 398 points, while Victorious Covenant High School, Aba, secured the third position after a commendable performance.

The atmosphere at the prize presentation ceremony was filled with excitement as students, teachers and supporters celebrated the achievements of the winning schools, reflecting the growing culture of academic competitiveness in Abia State.

Representing the wife of the Abia State Governor, Lady Priscilla Otti, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Chidera Emetu, graced the occasion and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting educational excellence and youth development.

Mrs. Priscilla Otti commended the President of Vision Africa Radio, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, for sustaining the annual competition over the years, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to nurturing a generation of informed, responsible and academically driven young people.

According to her, education goes beyond examinations, grades and certificates, stressing that true learning should inspire curiosity, nurture creativity, build character and prepare young people to become responsible leaders and problem-solvers in society.

She further applauded the Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for its fruitful partnership with Vision Africa Radio, noting that the collaboration demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved when government institutions and private organizations work together toward the advancement of education.

Representing the chairman of the event and former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika, retired WAEC staff, Sir Kester Ekekwe, commended teachers for their dedication and sacrifice in nurturing students towards excellence.

Sir Ekekwe also applauded the panel of judges for what he described as their promptness, fairness and professionalism in delivering judgment throughout the competition.

He further appreciated Governor Dr. Alex Otti for the infrastructural transformation ongoing in Abia State, noting that improvements in public facilities contribute significantly to creating an enabling environment for quality education.

In an emotionally charged address, renowned cleric and peace advocate, Archbishop Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, expressed concern over the worsening insecurity affecting schools in parts of the country.

According to him, incidents of school abductions were minimal during the tenure of former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika, stressing that children deserve to learn in safe and secure environments.

Archbishop Onuoha passionately appealed to law enforcement agencies and political leaders to intensify efforts toward protecting schools and safeguarding the future of Nigerian children.

He lamented that insecurity has continued to rob many children of their fundamental right to education, insisting that every part of the country must be made safe for learning.

“Those in authority should ensure that students are protected and free to pursue their education without fear. Safety should never be denied to our children. Every part of this nation must become safe for learning,” he stressed.

The debate competition, stakeholders observed, has continued to serve as a veritable platform for discovering young talents, sharpening communication skills and promoting critical thinking among students in Abia State.

Many participants and guests described the event as a celebration of knowledge, discipline and the collective resolve to build a brighter future through education.