The Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State chapter, has applauded Governor Monday Okpebholo for raising the minimum wage of Edo workers from N70,000 to N75,000, describing the move as a major relief for workers grappling with economic hardship.
The acting NLC Chairman, Bernard Egwekhide, gave the commendation during the May Day celebration held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Thursday. Just within six months in office, you have done excellently well for Edo State.
Your performance is beyond our expectations as workers, Egwekhide said. You have taken the welfare of Edo workers seriously and embarked on interventions that to a great extent enabled workers in the State to enjoy their civil rights.
He described the events theme, Reclaiming the Civil Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship, as apt and thought-provoking, saying it captured the real struggles of workers in today's economy.
The labour leaders remarks followed Governor Okpebholos announcement of a new minimum wage of N75,000, an upward review from the N70,000 previously paid by the state. Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for Edo workers, the governor declared. 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.
Okpebholo praised the resilience and contributions of Edo workers to the growth of the state, noting that their daily efforts were instrumental to building a prosperous Edo.
This celebration honours the hardworking men and women who keep the state moving forward as they support their families with dignity and strength.
Reeling out other initiatives, the governor noted that over 1,000 casual workers including cleaners had been absorbed into the core civil service. He said 500 new teachers had been hired, and the status of 3,000 casual teachers was under review for full employment.
We are reviewing the casual position of over 3,000 Edo State teachers for possible full employment because their effort will shape our childrens future. In the health sector, he said the state approved the recruitment of 450 clinical and non-clinical staff and regularised 126 contract workers at the Edo State Specialist Hospital.
These steps not only strengthen our health system but also improve job stability for health professionals. The governor also revealed that his administration had cleared salary arrears owed to Edo State Polytechnic staff, and ensured delayed judicial appointments were rectified.
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.
He reaffirmed his administrations pledge to maintain timely payment of salaries and pensions, implement strategic recruitment, and uphold dignity and fairness in civil service management.
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 May Day celebration was attended by Deputy Governor 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 civil servants.
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