Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has increased the minimum wage for Edo State workers from N70,000 to N75,000 to further improve their standard of living.
Governor Okpebholo made the announcement while delivering his May Day speech at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday.
While appreciating the contributions of Edo State workers to the growth and development of the state, the governor said his administration would always seek ways to improve workers’ welfare.
Okpebholo noted that Workers’ Day is a special occasion to honour the hardworking men and women who keep the state moving forward as they support their families with dignity and strength.
He said, “Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for Edo workers.
“It’s our way of saying thank you to Edo workers. We believe this will make a real difference, and in return, we count on your renewed dedication as we build a better Edo together.
“Since assuming office, my administration has remained fully committed to the welfare of our workers. One of our first actions in office was to convert many casual workers, including over 1,000 cleaners who, for years, had no job security, into the core civil service, giving them stability and peace of mind.
“We hired 500 new teachers to ease classroom pressure and help students learn better. We are also reviewing the casual status of over 3,000 Edo State teachers for possible full employment because their efforts will shape our children’s future.
“We approved the recruitment of 450 clinical and non-clinical staff for our state hospitals and regularised 126 contract staff at Edo State Specialist Hospital. These steps not only strengthen our health system but also improve job stability for health professionals.”
The governor also informed the public that his administration had cleared outstanding salary arrears owed to Edo State Polytechnic staff, among many other steps taken to improve workers’ lives.
He added, “In the judiciary, we ensured that judges whose appointments were delayed were properly sworn in and are now fully carrying out their duties.
“To show our commitment doesn’t end at retirement, we have also approved health insurance coverage for our retirees because we believe that our responsibility to workers doesn’t end when they leave active service.”
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the timely payment of salaries and pensions, steady recruitment to improve service delivery, staff welfare and development, and the fair and dignified treatment of Edo workers.
“As we mark this day, I join President Bola Tinubu and my fellow governors in wishing all Nigerian workers a peaceful and fulfilling celebration. Your efforts shape our nation and lay the foundation for a better tomorrow.”
The acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State chapter, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, commended Governor Okpebholo for the formulation and implementation of laudable policies and programmes aimed at alleviating the suffering of Edo workers and pensioners.
He noted that the theme, “Reclaiming the Civil Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship”, was apt and thought-provoking, addressing the serious challenges facing Nigerian workers as a result of the current economic hardship.
Egwekhide thanked the Okpebholo-led administration for prioritising the welfare of Edo workers and initiating interventions that, to a great extent, enabled workers in the state to enjoy their civil rights.
“Just within six months in office, you have done excellently well for Edo State. Your performance is beyond our expectations as workers,” he said.
Guests at the event included the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon Dennis Idahosa; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Gani Audu; Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa; former Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu; APC State Chairman, Jaret Tenebe; party leaders; labour leaders; and Edo State workers, among others.
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