Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has promised to take care of Edo State civil servants and make them happy. The Governor made this promise on Friday when he received executives of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, led by its Acting State Chairman, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide.

Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, disclosed this in a statement. Fred Itua said the NLC executives visited the Governor to congratulate him on his recent victory at the governorship election tribunal that affirmed his victory in the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

Governor Okpebholo said his administration’s actions favoring Edo workers are because it is worker-friendly. “Whatever we are doing, which is favouring Edo workers, is done because it is our responsibility as a government. Edo people voted for us to work for them, and that is what we are doing to ensure life is made better for our people, including the workers,” he said.

The Governor emphasized transparency in his administration’s actions, saying, “We embrace transparency in all what we do as a government to enable the people to trust us as we are not afraid of criticism. Positive criticism will put us on our toes to work harder for Edo people.” Okpebholo also highlighted the importance of collaboration among the three tiers of government.

Fred Itua further stated that the Governor received the new branch controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Edo State, Apanke Utande, who was on a courtesy visit to Government House. During the meeting, Okpebholo urged Utande to collaborate with his administration to improve the lives of Edo people.

Comrade Egwekhide commended the Governor for his developmental strides and friendly environment created for Edo State workers. “Workers in Edo State are proud of you for the developmental strides in the State. You have created a friendly relationship between your administration and Edo workers,” Egwekhide stated.

Egwekhide highlighted some of the Governor’s achievements, including paying workers their 13th month salary, raising Ambrose Ali University’s subvention from N41 million to N500 million, regularizing casual workers, and increasing pensioners’ monthly allocation from N50 million to N1 billion. “We thank the governor for several employment given to our people in the very short time in office,” Egwekhide added.

Fred Itua noted that a committee has been set up to review the compulsory pension scheme, which has been a burden on retired civil servants. The report will be submitted to the Governor for action. Fred Itua’s statement concluded by emphasizing the Governor’s commitment to the welfare of Edo State workers.