By joshua Kogi Workers Renew Appeal to Gov. Ododo Over Leave Allowances, Promotions, Housing
…Dr. Bode Olatunde makes second passionate appeal, cites harsh economic realities
By Our Reporter
Kogi State civil servants have renewed their appeal to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to urgently address outstanding leave allowances and other workers’ entitlements, saying the prevailing economic hardship, rising cost of living and mounting family responsibilities have pushed many households to the brink.
The appeal was made in a second passionate open letter by Mr. Bode Olatunde, a civil servant in the Kogi State workforce, who also called for the implementation of due promotions, payment of promotion-related benefits and accumulated annual salary increments.
Olatunde further appealed to the governor to consider an affordable housing scheme for civil servants, particularly in Lokoja, where rising rents have become a major burden on workers.
According to him, workers across the state remain loyal and committed to the development of Kogi State despite the difficult economic conditions confronting many families.
He recalled that the payment of leave allowances by the Ododo administration had previously brought significant relief to workers and their dependants, expressing concern over the continued uncertainty surrounding outstanding leave-related entitlements.
“The economic realities confronting Nigerian workers are becoming increasingly unbearable,” Olatunde said, citing the rising cost of food, transportation, accommodation, education, healthcare and other essential necessities.
He noted that for many civil servants, leave allowances have become more than an employment benefit, describing them as a vital source of support for families struggling to pay school fees, offset debts and meet pressing domestic obligations.
“The continued delay has heightened anxiety among workers, many of whom are struggling to keep their families afloat while patiently hoping for government intervention,” he said.
Olatunde therefore appealed to Governor Ododo to direct the relevant ministries, departments and agencies to urgently address outstanding leave allowances and other approved financial entitlements.
Housing Burden
Beyond the issue of outstanding benefits, the civil servant identified the growing housing challenge in Lokoja as another major welfare concern requiring urgent government attention.
He said the cost of renting decent accommodation in the state capital had risen beyond the reach of many workers, with a significant portion of their monthly earnings reportedly going into rent.
Olatunde urged the state government to establish low-cost housing estates specifically targeted at civil servants, supported by flexible payment arrangements, mortgage options or gradual salary deductions.
According to him, such an initiative would provide long-term security for workers, improve productivity and further strengthen the relationship between the government and its workforce.
While acknowledging the achievements of the Ododo administration and its efforts in various sectors, Olatunde said the appeal was neither confrontational nor borne out of ingratitude.
“Our appeal is a cry for compassion, reassurance and urgent action from a government in which workers have continued to repose their trust,” he said.
He described Kogi civil servants as critical partners in governance, noting that they include teachers educating children, health workers saving lives, administrators coordinating government activities and other public servants sustaining the machinery of the state.
“Your Excellency, please listen to the silent cries of your workers. Let them have renewed hope that their sacrifices, patience and commitment are not being taken for granted,” Olatunde appealed.
He added that a timely intervention by the governor would bring relief to thousands of households, restore workers’ confidence and further reinforce the administration’s reputation as one that places human welfare at the centre of governance.
“Governor Ododo, we are suffering in silence, but our hope remains alive. Please come to our aid. Let compassion translate into action,” he said.
Mr. Bode Olatunde, a civil servant in the Kogi State workforce, writes from Lokoja.