By joshua KOGI S.A LABOUR WORKPLACE SECURITY CAMPAIGN STORMS ANKPA, HAILS TINUBU/ODODO RECORD ON WORKERS
…Says Ododo’s Administration Is Prioritizing Workers’ Welfare
The Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka, has commended the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritizing workers’ welfare and restoring prompt payment of salaries and pensions in the state.
Comrade Edoka made the remarks on Tuesday during the Workplace Security Campaign for Tinubu/Ododo 2027 held in Ankpa Local Government Area.
He said pensioners in Kogi State are now receiving their entitlements regularly, a development he described as unprecedented.
“Today in Kogi State we are seeing a governor who is paying pensions as and when due and regularly,” he said.
The Special Adviser disclosed that the state government releases N150 million monthly to the Pension Commission, totaling about N1.8 billion annually for pension payments. He added that discussions are ongoing with the state government to secure a loan or bond to liquidate outstanding gratuities owed to pensioners, and expressed optimism that the initiative will see the light of day.
Comrade Edoka also lauded the Ododo administration for being among the first to implement the new national minimum wage, granting a two-year tax holiday on the wage increase, and ensuring prompt payment of full salaries to local government workers.
Other worker-focused interventions he listed include: full implementation of hazard allowances for doctors and health workers, health insurance coverage for workers and pensioners, payment of promotions and promotion arrears, payment of leave bonuses, and the donation of three buses to the NLC, TUC and JNC.
He noted that with rising retirements, the workforce is shrinking while the pension roll is growing, hence the governor’s plan for massive recruitment into the state civil service.
Addressing union leaders of NULGE, NUT, Medical and Health Workers Union, ASUSS and NUP, Comrade Edoka urged workers at the grassroots to remain security-conscious and support continuity in government.
“Governor Ododo would rather work with you and keep you than rush to tax your salary. He has great respect for grassroots workers,” he told the union chairmen.
According to him, the Workplace Security Campaign is aimed at sensitizing local government workers on vigilance and preparedness, while also consolidating the gains recorded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
He called on workers to make informed political choices ahead of the 2027 elections to protect the welfare gains and industrial harmony currently enjoyed in the state.