Abia State is gearing up to implement the newly approved minimum wage starting October 2024, as confirmed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu. During a press briefing in Umuahia, following the week’s Executive Council meeting, Kanu emphasized that the wage adjustment will impact all categories of state employees. This move is part of Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to improving worker welfare and keeping his promises to the people of Abia.

The new wage policy comes on the heels of the Federal Government‘s recent approval of a minimum wage increase to N70,000, following successful negotiations with labor unions. In addition to the wage update, Abia State is set to commence the construction of ultramodern court halls in all 17 Local Government Areas within the next two weeks, ensuring a smooth and efficient judicial system across the state.

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As part of ongoing infrastructural development, Governor Otti will also kick off the construction of a 19.4-kilometer road in Isiala Ngwa North and South LGAs under the RAMP project, further improving the state’s road network.

Education and sports sectors have also seen remarkable progress in the state. Abia’s exceptional performance in the recent NECO results has been attributed to the state’s education reforms, with even greater achievements expected in the future. In the sports arena, Abia’s contingent to the Paralympics and the Under-15 National Youth Games team have made the state proud, bringing home a total of 31 medals, including seven gold medals from the National Youth Games in Delta State.

The state’s focus on youth and sports development is paying off, with six young footballers now training in Hungary, two Abia Angels players moving on loan to European clubs, and another rising star, Nmesomachi, securing a full scholarship in the United States for soccer.

Also present at the press briefing were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha. The event highlighted the Otti administration’s multi-faceted efforts to drive development across all sectors in the state.