Alex Otti, governor of Abia State, has said that the traditional institution is a revered group that is known for mediating between the people and state, maintaining law and order, resolving conflicts and fostering national unity.
He advocated the revitalisation of the traditional institution for more effective service delivery to people at the grassroots.
Governor Otti stated this while flagging off an eight-day capacity building workshop at JAAC Secretariat Umuahia, organised by the state government in collaboration with Phriam Group of Consultants for traditional rulers across the state with the theme, ‘Revitalising Traditional Leadership for a New Abia.”
Otti represented by his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba described the workshop as apt and advised the traditional rulers to approach the workshop with every sense of commitment.
“This workshop is one you must approach with every sense of commitment. I am quite confident that at the end of this 8-day event, we will be able to look back and assure ourselves that indeed, there was need for the traditional institution to be revitalised.
“This workshop is timely, it’s auspicious, it’s one that will be able to offer us opportunity to take a holistic view, do a thorough retrospection, look inside to know, where are we now? Where are we supposed to be and what are we expected to do in order to partner with the governor to change the negative narrative and give back to the new Abia?” Otti stated.
The Abia Chief Executive noted that over the years, the traditional institution had been inundated with several challenges that continued to make them unable to fulfil and execute the mandate that is bestowed upon them.
He regretted that the traditional institution which is supposed to be highly respected is today consumed by greed, avarice and given to conferring chieftaincy titles to the highest bidders and people of questionable character hence the need for revitalisation of the revered institution.
Uzor Nwachukwu, the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in his remarks, said that the essence of the workshop which would take place in the 17 LGAs was to equip traditional rulers for the onerous task of advancing the visionary leadership of Governor Otti.
He expressed confidence that the programme would signpost a new era of traditional leadership in the state where traditional rulers would play their roles of maintaining peace, administering justice in the communities and mobilising their subjects for good governance among others.
Eze Linus Nto Mbah, chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, earlier in his address commending the governor for putting up the workshop.
He assured that the traditional rulers would attend the workshop as scheduled as well as put into practice, lessons derived from the workshop.
Eze Mbah said that the traditional rulers are appreciative of the governor’s commitment to their welfare which he said was unprecedented since the creation of Abia State.
The Abia Royal Fathers leader thanked Governor Otti for his sustained honour and respect to the traditional institution in the state.
