Traditional rulers in Abia South Senatorial District have been urged to approach their positions with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment that would contribute to the development of their communities and bring glory to God.

Governor Alex Otti gave the charge while addressing traditional rulers participating in a two-day capacity-building workshop held at the Aba Town Hall.

Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzo Nwachukwu, the governor said the workshop was designed to provide an opportunity for the monarchs to reflect on their activities and performance since assuming their traditional leadership positions.

Otti said the training would expose the traditional rulers to new information and strengthen their leadership capacities and skills, in line with his administration’s expectations for improved governance at the local government level.

“The exposure will equip you with renewed information that will enhance your capacities and skills, as Otti’s administration expects better governance at the local government level,” he said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Oge Maduka, said the workshop would enhance the monarchs’ understanding of conflict prevention and resolution while helping them respond more effectively to the changing demands of modern society.

“The workshop will strengthen your knowledge in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and connect you with the realities and demands of the dynamic world,” Maduka said.

The Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area, Mr Obialor Anyanwu, thanked Governor Otti for consistently introducing programmes aimed at improving governance.

He urged the traditional rulers to put the knowledge and skills acquired during the workshop into practice.

The Second Deputy Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Franklin Nwosu, described the training as timely and called on monarchs to take their responsibilities as chief security personnel in their communities seriously.

Nwosu urged traditional rulers to reside in the communities they govern rather than operating from abroad, stressing the importance of being physically present to effectively monitor developments and respond to security concerns.

He also advised the monarchs to avoid actions capable of bringing the traditional institution into disrepute.

Some of the participating traditional rulers, including Eze Okey Ananaba of Okahia Autonomous Community in Obingwa, Eze Chris Ajuzie of Mbanso Amasaa in Ugwunagbo, Eze Anthony Wagbara of Ohambele in Ukwa East Local Government Area and Eze Love Wogu of Umuola Egbelu in Aba North, described the workshop as impactful.

They appealed to the state government to provide financial support for traditional rulers to enable them to effectively discharge their responsibilities and address the challenges facing their communities.

The two-day workshop, titled “Strengthening Traditional Institutions for Peace, Security, Inclusive Governance and Sustainable Community Development in Abia,” featured presentations by consultants from within and outside the state.