Abia Govt Charges Traditional Rulers On Ethical Leadership

The Abia State Government has charged traditional rulers across the state to uphold ethical leadership, justice, accountability and fairness in the discharge of their responsibilities as custodians of peace, culture and community development.

The Honourable Commissioner for Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, gave the charge on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, while declaring open the two-day 2026 Zonal Traditional Rulers’ Capacity Building Workshop for the Abia South Senatorial Zone, held in Aba South Local Government Area.

Prince Nwachukwu described traditional rulers as critical partners in grassroots governance, peacebuilding and community development, stressing the need for continuous learning and adaptation to emerging social and security challenges.

He said the workshop was designed to equip royal fathers with practical knowledge in conflict resolution, ethical leadership, community security and strategic development, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in the administration and development of their communities.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lady Oge Maduka, Esq., said the workshop provides an important platform for experience-sharing and capacity development, enabling traditional rulers to effectively respond to contemporary challenges while preserving the cultural values and heritage of their communities.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions in promoting peace, security and sustainable grassroots development.

The workshop forms part of the State Government’s efforts to strengthen the traditional institution and enhance its contribution to peace, security, good governance and community development across Abia State.

Contributing, the Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area, Hon. Anyanwu Obilor, described the capacity-building workshop as timely and important, noting that it would provide traditional rulers with updated knowledge in conflict resolution, grassroots governance and sustainable community development.

Hon. Obilor stated that “knowledge will always be power, and updated knowledge will always be updated power,” stressing that continuous learning was essential for traditional rulers to effectively discharge their responsibilities in a rapidly changing society.

He noted that the programme would also help royal fathers gain a clearer understanding of their roles and strengthen collaboration between traditional institutions and government agencies.

The Mayor further emphasised the importance of good health among traditional rulers, noting that physical and mental fitness were necessary for them to effectively respond to the demands of their communities. He encouraged them to pay attention to healthy living, proper nutrition and stress management, given the demanding nature of their responsibilities.

He urged the royal fathers to strengthen their partnership with government agencies and security institutions, stressing that effective collaboration and synergy were essential for addressing community challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Speaking separately with journalists during the workshop, HRM Eze O. J. Ananaba, Public Relations Officer of the State Traditional Rulers Council, and HRH Eze Anthony A. Wabara, Mbele One of Ohambele Autonomous Community, Ukwa East Local Government Area, called for a clearer constitutional framework defining the responsibilities of traditional rulers and other community leadership structures.

The royal fathers noted that while traditional rulers remain custodians of culture, peace and community values, inadequate definition of functions, limited resources and overlapping responsibilities sometimes create challenges in the effective discharge of their duties.

They also appealed for improved welfare and mobility support for traditional rulers, stressing that adequate resources would enable them to effectively mediate disputes, respond to community concerns and contribute more meaningfully to grassroots development.

The royal fathers advocated greater cooperation among traditional rulers, President-Generals, government authorities and security agencies in addressing issues affecting communities.

Eze Wabara emphasised the importance of teamwork and effective delegation, while Eze Ananaba urged patience and constructive engagement with government as efforts to strengthen and reposition the traditional institution continue.

They commended the Abia State Government and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for organising the capacity-building workshop, describing it as a valuable platform for strengthening the capacity of traditional rulers and promoting peace, security, unity and sustainable development.

Eze Ananaba also commended Governor Alex Otti for the visible infrastructural transformation in Aba and its environs, expressing optimism that the administration would continue to build on its achievements for the benefit of the people.

In his vote of thanks, the Second Deputy Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Franklin Nwosu, expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for approving the workshop and commended the Ministry for initiating the programme.

He noted that the royal fathers had gained valuable knowledge from the sessions and expressed confidence that the lessons learnt would contribute to improved leadership, conflict resolution and community development.