By Israel Adebiyi
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of workers in the state, promising improved packages that will further boost productivity and job satisfaction.
The governor gave the assurance on Friday when he hosted the executive members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, led by its Acting Chairman, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, at the Government House in Benin City.
Acknowledging the significant contributions of Edo workers to the state’s development, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that his administration remains resolute in creating a conducive and rewarding environment for the workforce. He noted that the welfare benefits currently being enjoyed are a clear reflection of his government’s dedication to a worker-friendly administration.
“Whatever we are doing to favour Edo workers is driven by a sense of duty. Our people voted us into office to serve them, and that includes ensuring that workers have better living and working conditions,” Okpebholo said.
He further stressed his administration’s openness to constructive criticism, saying, “We are committed to transparency. Positive criticism keeps us accountable and motivates us to work harder for the people.”
Speaking on national alignment, the governor noted that the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has created an enabling framework for effective governance, enabling Edo to achieve greater strides in peace, unity, and development.
“We ensure inclusion across the three senatorial zones and maintain synergy across the three tiers of government to deliver dividends of democracy to our people,” he added.
On his part, Acting Chairman of the Edo State NLC, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, commended Governor Okpebholo for fostering a productive relationship with workers and for the various initiatives that have improved their welfare.
He highlighted some of the achievements under the current administration, including the surprise payment of the 13th-month salary, the increase in Ambrose Alli University’s subvention from N41 million to N500 million, the regularization of casual staff, and the increment in monthly pensions from N50 million to N1 billion for both state and local government retirees.
Egwekhide also revealed that a committee has been constituted to review the compulsory pension scheme, which has posed challenges for many retirees. He assured the governor that the committee’s report would soon be submitted for necessary action.
“We appreciate the governor for creating employment opportunities within such a short time in office,” he said.
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo received the newly appointed Branch Controller of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Edo State, Mr. Apanke Utande, who paid him a courtesy visit. The governor urged the apex bank to collaborate with his administration in driving financial inclusion and improving the livelihoods of Edo people.