Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare, skill acquisition, and the fight against gender-based violence, describing them as key pillars of his government’s development agenda.
Governor Otti made this known on Friday, October 17, 2025, while receiving the new State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. (Mrs.) Helen Okpara, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Umuahia.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Otti highlighted several ongoing initiatives targeted at empowering youths and improving the labour environment in Abia State. He disclosed that the state government had launched a tech-driven skill acquisition programme through which 510 young people were trained in digital and technology-related fields, while another 850 youths drawn from the 17 Local Government Areas are currently undergoing intensive 12-week TechRise training in Aba.
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“We take skill acquisition very seriously. That’s why we have even set up a leadership academy and inaugurated a Technological Skills Acquisition Centre, chaired by Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe, a globally recognized inventor and tech innovator,” Governor Otti said.
The governor emphasized that his vision is to equip Abians with modern, globally competitive skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing, electric vehicles, and driverless technology. He noted that by investing in technology and youth empowerment, the state is preparing its citizens for the future of work in a fast-evolving global economy.
Dr. Otti also announced plans to establish additional skill acquisition centres in Mgbarakuma (Umuahia South), Ohafia, and Aba, further strengthening Abia’s human capital development framework.
On gender-based violence, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Women Affairs to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to address reported cases swiftly and effectively.
“Anywhere there is gender-based violence, our Ministry of Women Affairs will take it up immediately. We have a dedicated programme and budget for that. Instead of calling the police, victims can contact the Ministry directly,” he said.
Governor Otti also commended Dr. Nkiruka Onyejiocha, the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment and an Abia daughter, for her outstanding contributions to national development.
In her remarks, Dr. (Mrs.) Helen Okpara praised Governor Otti for his infrastructural transformation, fiscal discipline, and reforms that have revitalized Abia’s labour sector. She particularly lauded the rehabilitation of roads in Aba, which she described as a major boost for commerce and industry.
Dr. Okpara applauded the state’s prompt salary payments and efforts to clear backlog of arrears, especially at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), which had previously faced repeated industrial actions.
She also commended the recruitment of over 5,000 teachers, noting that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Sustainable Skills for the Unemployed (SUSI) project and has lifted many families out of poverty.
Dr. Okpara called for greater synergy between the State and Federal Governments in tackling child labour and gender-based violence, emphasizing the need for improved collaboration with law enforcement agencies. She further advocated the establishment of a functional skill acquisition centre to empower non-tertiary youths with globally recognized trade test certifications.
The meeting was attended by the Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Kingsley Nwokocha, and SSA on Labour Relations, Comrade Godson Anucha, among others.
