Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Friday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of state civil servants, vowing to do everything within his power to make their lives better.
The Governor made this declaration when he received executives of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, led by the Acting State Chairman, Bernard Egwekhide. The NLC delegation had come to congratulate the Governor on his recent victory at the governorship election tribunal, which upheld his win in the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
Governor Okpebholo expressed that the responsibility of caring for Edo workers rests squarely with his administration, emphasizing that the government’s actions to benefit the workers are part of their commitment to serving the people who elected them.
“Whatever we are doing that favors Edo workers is our responsibility as a government,” Okpebholo said, adding that his administration is focused on making life better for the citizens, including the workers. He also emphasized the government’s transparent approach to governance, encouraging constructive criticism to improve their efforts.
He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu has provided the administration with the necessary platform to improve service delivery and governance in the state.
In a broader context, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity, growth, and development across Edo, ensuring that all three senatorial zones are well-represented in the state’s projects and policies.
Bernard Egwekhide, the acting NLC chairman, commended the Governor for his developmental initiatives and for fostering a cooperative relationship between his administration and Edo workers. He acknowledged that the Governor’s efforts have been well-received by the workforce, citing several key actions that have directly benefited workers in the state.
Egwekhide highlighted that workers in Edo had been given their 13th month salary without being prompted, a subvention increase for Ambrose Alli University (AAU) from N41 million to N500 million, and the regularization of casual workers in the state. He also praised the Governor for significantly increasing monthly pension payments from N50 million to N1 billion for both state and local government pensioners.
Additionally, Egwekhide shared that a committee had been formed to review the compulsory pension scheme, which has been a burden for retired civil servants. The committee’s report is expected to be submitted to the Governor for action.
In response, Governor Okpebholo expressed his gratitude for the recognition and pledged to continue working towards creating more employment opportunities for Edo citizens.
In a related development, the Governor also received Apanke Utande, the new Branch Controller of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Edo State. During the courtesy visit, the Governor urged Utande to work closely with his administration to improve the welfare of the people of Edo, signaling a strong willingness for collaboration between the state government and the CBN to foster economic growth and development.
Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to worker welfare and development in Edo remains a cornerstone of his administration’s objectives.
