……….Tasks Civil Servants to Venture in Agricultural Activities.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has promised review of salary and other welfare packages of workers in Kogi state stating that government was well aware of the financial constraints faced by the workers and would soon conclude on-going conversations in the interest of all stakeholders.
Governor Ododo stated this on Wednesday during May Day celebrations held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja.
The Governor celebrated the dedication, resilience and hardwork of the labour force. He expressed that his government take cognisance of the importance of fair wages, safe working conditions, and social security for every worker.
While acknowledging improvements in the salaries of civil servants and pensioners at the local government level, Governor Ododo said the state government has demonstrated resolve to make funds available for the welfare and wellbeing of the state workforce promising to do more to keep the workers happy and more productive.
According to Governor Ododo, “with most of our workers in the state now enrolled under the Kogi state health insurance scheme, we shall soon extend coverage under the health insurance scheme to the local government level.
The State free education policy remains on course and payment of Senior Secondary School Examination fees has been fully offset by the government.
Our new template for payment of bursary to students in higher institutions has been adjudged to be a step higher in transparency and accountability.
Our quarterly palliatives has since commenced and we shall not renege on this accord until the economic indices improve”.
Ododo averred that his administration has embarked on agricultural activities to make Kogi food supplier for the nation, tractors were already distributed to farmers across the state. It is expected Kogi will start exporting agricultural products soon. Therefore, he advised civil servants to key into the agricultural program.
On security matters, the governor stated the efforts put in place in securing lives and property has been positive.The constant threats in violence limits economic growth. Vigilante security outfit that supports the already existing security agencies have been empowered, vehicles were distributed to them for prompt swift actions.
Disclosing the state government recognition to the Labour union, Ododo said, this has led to appointing a former NLC chairman Onu Eduka as the Special Adviser on Labour Matters.
Governor Ododo assured the organised labour all the demands they put forth will be given recognition.
Earlier, Comrade Amari Gabriel chairman Kogi State Nigerian Labour Congress in his address of welcome said May Day hold significance to civil servants. Disclosing that both the Kogi State governor and the deputy governor came from Labour union, believing this convergence bears a message of hope to Kogi workers.
This years’ theme “People First” Mr Gabriel said placing people’s need is essential in enforcing resilience, empathy and humanity.
He applauded Ododo for his major strides in touching the lives of civil servants and by extention the people of Kogi: implementing Health insurance scheme, implementation of hazard allowance, prompt action to resolve civil servants outstanding promotion.
On the other hand he pleaded with the governor to implement NGN35,000 wage award, believing it will serve as temporary relief for workers.
Implementation of outstanding promotion arrears, leave allowances and annual increment.
In the same development Comrade Gabriel appealed to the Government to pay weigh in allowance for the media sector.
Provision of owner occupier houses for civil servants, recruitment exercise to fill in the vacant positions.
He appealed to the leadership on the increment of monthly allocation for payment of gratuity and equitable distribution to pensioners, especially to the Local Government workers
Maryam Abubakar Gulma
ACIPRO
