Traditional rulers in Abia South Senatorial District have been urged to approach their responsibilities with a strong sense of duty and commitment to the development of their communities.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, gave the charge while addressing traditional rulers at a two-day capacity-building workshop organised for them 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 positions.

Otti said the training would provide the traditional rulers with updated knowledge and skills needed to improve their effectiveness, particularly 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.

In her address, the Permanent Secretary, Oge Maduka, said the workshop would improve the monarchs’ understanding of conflict prevention and resolution while helping them respond better to the changing demands of their communities.

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

Also speaking, the Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area, Mr Obialor Anyanwu, thanked the governor for continually introducing programmes aimed at improving governance.

He urged the traditional rulers to ensure that the knowledge gained from the workshop was properly applied in their respective communities.

The Second Deputy Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Franklin Nwosu, described the workshop as timely and called on monarchs to play more active roles in securing their communities.

Nwosu urged the traditional rulers to serve as effective chief security personnel by residing in their communities rather than governing from abroad.

He also advised them to avoid practices capable of bringing the traditional institution into disrepute.

Some of the participating monarchs, 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, however, appealed to the state government to financially empower traditional rulers to enable them to effectively discharge their responsibilities and address the challenges confronting 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.