•Governor Alex Otti of Abia State
Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has flagged off the 2026 Zonal Traditional Rulers’ Capacity-Building Workshop with the theme, “Strengthening Traditional Institutions for Peace, Security, Inclusive Governance and Sustainable Community Development in Abia State.”
The workshop is aimed at strengthening the capacity of traditional institutions to promote peace, security, good governance and sustainable development across the state.
Speaking while flagging off the programme today at the Umuahia North Local Government Area headquarters, Otti said the workshop would equip the royal fathers with updated tools for discharging their duties.
Represented by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, Otti noted that the programme was not just an academic exercise but was initiated to improve the capacity of traditional rulers, stating, “We are not desirous of gathering traditional rulers for the sake of just having you in one place.
He said, “Our core objective is to awaken the sense of responsibility among our traditional rulers and connect the timeless wisdom of our rich community leadership heritage with the evolving demands of modern governance.
“This workshop therefore aims at equipping our traditional rulers with updated tools in conflict resolution, administrative leadership and strategic community development.”
Otti described traditional rulers as “the first line of defence in community peace, stability and development”, noting the need for the training to enable them to perform their responsibilities more effectively.
He enjoined them to make effective use of the workshop and be well equipped.
Giving insight into the objectives of the workshop, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Oge Maduka, said, “This workshop has been carefully designed to strengthen the capacity of our royal fathers and equip them with contemporary knowledge, practical skills and strategic partnerships to respond effectively to the opportunities and challenges of modern leadership.”
Speaking in an interview, one of the participants and the traditional ruler of Ọrọ-Ibere Autonomous Community, Eze Stanley Ijenwa, commended Otti for initiating the capacity-building programme for traditional rulers in the state.
The workshop featured paper presentations by several resource persons.
