Abia settles benefits of 265 deceased workers

14th October 2025 

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved the payment of the 16-year backlog of payments due to its deceased staff.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting, chaired by the governor.

The commissioner said, “In a compassionate mood that speaks to his unwavering commitment to the improvement of the welfare of Abia workers, Governor Otti has approved a payment on the backlog of payments to deceased staff of Abia service, spanning over a period of 16 years.”

According to him, the approval came with a payment of over N50m to the families of the 265 deceased workers.

This payment will be made to their verified next of kin. This is another welfare package made possible by this administration that sets it apart from ones before it,” he said.

The commissioner added, “In line with the government’s vision to strengthen the power sector in the state, so as to drive the economic development of our state, the long-anticipated bid to acquire 60 per cent stake of EEDC assets in Abia State has come to fruition with acceptance of the state government’s offer to interstate electricity.” 

He said that with the development, the state, particularly the eight local government areas being fenced under the arrangement, would experience a better power supply.

The commissioner also announced the approval of the restoration of power supply to Ohafia after many years.

“When fully restored, the power supply to Ohafia will definitely enhance the development plans of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority, as well as the economic development of the state,” he said.

Kanu allayed fears over health concerns in the state, adding that, “We are happy to announce that there are no confirmed cases of diseases of public health importance.”

The commissioner said in an effort to empower Abia youths, the governor inaugurated the board of Abia Technological Skills Acquisition Centre, chaired by a renowned professor of engineering, Ndúbuisi Ekekwe.