Otti Flags Off 2026 Zonal Traditional Rulers’ Capacity-Building Workshop in Abia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has flagged off the 2026 Zonal Traditional Rulers’ Capacity-Building Workshop, designed as a strategic move to strengthen the capacity of traditional rulers in the state.

According to a statement issued and released on the Facebook page by the Head of Information, Government House, Umuahia, Divine Nwankwo, 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 at the Umuahia North Council headquarters, Governor Alex Otti said the workshop would equip royal fathers with updated tools for effectively discharging their duties.

Governor Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, noted that the programme was not merely an academic exercise but an initiative aimed at improving the capacity of traditional rulers.

“We are not desirous of gathering traditional rulers for the sake of just having you in one place.

“Our core objective is to awaken the responsibility consciousness of 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,” Governor Otti stated.

He 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 stand strong and effectively perform their responsibilities.

The governor enjoined the traditional rulers to make effective use of the workshop days to become well-equipped for the responsibilities of their offices.

Detailing the objectives of the workshop, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka, disclosed that the workshop has the theme: “Strengthening Traditional Institutions for Peace, Security, Inclusive Governance and Sustainable Community Development in Abia State.”

Lady Oge Maduka said the workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of traditional rulers and equip them with contemporary leadership, conflict-resolution, and community-development strategies, reinforce the principles of leadership, and provide a platform for the exchange of ideas.

“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.
“Precisely, the workshop seeks to strengthen the leadership capacity of traditional rulers to effectively discharge their responsibilities as custodians of culture, promoters of peace, and partners in grassroots governance,” she said.

She expressed confidence that the knowledge shared at the workshop would further empower the monarchs to continue providing the exemplary leadership for which they are known.

Speaking in an interview, one of the participants and traditional ruler of Ọrọ-Ibere Autonomous Community, Eze Dr. Stanley Ijenwa, commended Governor Alex Otti for initiating the capacity-building programme for traditional rulers in the state.

Eze Stanley Ijenwa said the workshop was apt, as it would strengthen and improve the knowledge of traditional rulers about their roles beyond being custodians of culture.

He noted that the workshop would also help them improve their strategies for achieving security and peace in their various domains.

He recommended that such capacity-building programmes should not be a one-off exercise and assured the governor and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of the commitment of the participating traditional rulers to putting into practice the lessons learnt from the training.

The workshop, which featured paper presentations by several resource persons, attracted many traditional rulers from the Abia Central Senatorial Zone.