New Minimum Wage Payment Begins In October – Abia Gov’t

Governor Alex Otti’s government has assured Abia State workers that the new minimum wage would be implemented in October 2024.

This development was confirmed by the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu.

Kanu, who spoke during a press conference in Umuahia yesterday, stated that the wage increase would apply to all categories of workers.

According to him, this decision fulfills Governor Otti’s commitment to the workforce in Abia.

The Commissioner emphasized that this initiative reflects the current administration’s dedication to the welfare of its employees.

It is noteworthy that after extensive negotiations with labor representatives, the Federal Government recently sanctioned a new minimum wage of N70,000.

Additionally, the Commissioner indicated that within two weeks, the State Government would initiate the construction of modern court facilities in each of the 17 Local Government Areas to ensure that the administration of justice remains uninterrupted.

He also mentioned that the Governor is set to commence the construction of a 19.4-kilometer road in Isiala Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas as part of the RAMP project.

The Commissioner credited the outstanding performance of Abia State, which ranked first in the recently released National Examination Council (NECO) results, to the ongoing educational reforms implemented by the current administration.

He expressed confidence that the state’s performance would continue to improve in the coming years.

Furthermore, the Commissioner noted that the Governor would soon host the Abia team that participated in the recent Paralympic Games, celebrating their achievements in the competition.

Contributing, Commissioner for Sports, Ananaba Nwobilor, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Abia team in the Under 15 National Youth Games that held in Delta State where Abia won 31 medals including seven gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze medals.

“Abia came 10th overall, the first of its kind since the history of the state,” he added.

The Commissioner revealed that the significant financial commitments made by the present government to the growth of sports are starting to show results, sharing that six young athletes were found during the latest All Secondary School Games in the state and are now being nurtured in Hungary.

Similarly, he mentioned that two players from the Abia Angels have been sent on loan to a European club, and that another rising talent (Nmesomachi), is currently receiving a full scholarship in the United States to play soccer.

On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, who was present at the briefing, stated that the planned court halls will meet modern standards.

Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, was also present at the briefing, Naija News reports.