DEVELOPMENT
Abia Moves to Strengthen Traditional Institution through Capacity Building Workshop
In a move to strengthen the traditional institution to promote peace, security, sustainable grassroot development, the Abia State Government has commenced the training of traditional rulers in a capacity building workshop.
The workshop is organised by the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on the theme: “Strengthening Traditional Institutions for Peace, Security, Inclusive Governance and Sustainable Community Development in Abia State.”
Uzor Nwachukwu, Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
Speaking while declaring the workshop open on Thursday, at the Umuahia North Council headquarters, Governor Alex Otti said the training would equip the royal fathers with updated tools for discharging their duties.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu noted that the programme was not just an academic exercise but initiated to improve their capacity.
“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,” Otti stated.
Otti described traditional rulers as the first line of defence in community peace, stability and development and noted the need for the training to enable them stand strong to perform their responsibilities effectively.
He enjoined them to make effective use of the workshop days to be well – equipped.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka, said 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.
Lady Oge Maduka, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
Maduka added that it was designed to strengthen capacity and equip traditional rulers with contemporary leadership, conflict resolution and community development strategies, reinforce principles of leadership and to provide platform for 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.”
She expressed confidence that the knowledge shared at the workshop would further empower them to continue to continue providing the exemplary leadership of which you are known for.
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 the idea of training the traditional rulers in the state.
Eze Ijenwa described the workshop as apt, as it would improve their knowledge as traditional rulers beyond being custodians of culture, on strategies towards achieving security and peace in their various domains.
He recommended that such a capacity building would be organised from time to time and even extend it to town union leaders to enable them to understand their roles in community development.
He assured the Governor, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of the commitment of the participating traditional rulers to put into practice, the lessons derived from the training.
