FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has increased the minimum wage for Edo State workers from N70, 000 to N75,000 to improve their standard of living.
Okpebholo made the announcement while delivering his May Day speech at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
While appreciating the contributions of workers to the growth and development of Edo State, the governor said his administration would always seek ways to improve the welfare of workers.
Okpebholo noted that May 1 is a special day set aside to honour the hardworking men and women who keep the state moving forward as they support their families with dignity and strength.
“Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for Edo workers.
“It is our way of saying thank you. We believe that this will make a real difference, and in return, we count on your renewed dedication as we build a better Edo together,” the governor said.
He stated that the recruitment of 450 clinical and non-clinical staff for hospitals and the regularised 126 contract staff at Edo State Specialist Hospital will strengthen the health system and also improve job stability for health professionals.
The governor also disclosed that his administration had cleared outstanding salary arrears owed Edo State Polytechnic staff.
He promised timely payment of salaries and pension; steady recruitment where needed to improve service delivery; staff welfare and development and ensuring that Edo workers are treated with dignity and fairness.
Speaking, the Acting State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide commended the governor for the implementation of laudable policies and programmes towards alleviating the suffering and hardship faced by workers and pensioners.
He noted that the theme, ‘Reclaiming the Civil Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,’ is apt and thought provoking, as it bordered on the very serious challenges faced by workers and the people as a result of the present day economic hardship in the country.
Egwekhide thanked the Okpebholo-led administration for taking the welfare of Edo workers seriously and embarking on interventions that, to a great extent, enabled workers to enjoy their civil rights.
