Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and wellbeing of civil servants in the state, promising a better deal for workers under his leadership.
Governor Okpebholo made this known on Friday while receiving executives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, at the Government House in Benin.
The delegation, led by Acting State Chairman, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, visited the governor to congratulate him on his recent victory at the election tribunal, which upheld his win in the September 2024 governorship poll.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Okpebholo said his government remains worker-friendly and is dedicated to ensuring that the people of Edo, including civil servants, enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“Whatever we are doing, which is favouring Edo workers, is done because it is our responsibility as a government,” the governor said. “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.”
The governor also emphasized the importance of transparency in governance, saying constructive criticism helps the administration stay accountable and perform better.
He lauded President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, describing it as a strong foundation that enables state governments to deliver practical and impactful governance to their people.
“We are doing everything in the State to ensure peace, unity, growth, and development,” Okpebholo added. “That is why we ensure smooth collaboration among the three tiers of government and equitable inclusion of all three senatorial zones.”
In his remarks, NLC Acting Chairman Comrade Egwekhide praised the governor for his developmental efforts and the favourable working environment created for public servants in the state.
“Edo workers are proud of you,” he said. “Without being asked, workers received their 13th-month salary. You increased the subvention of Ambrose Alli University from N41 million to N500 million, regularized the status of casual workers, and raised monthly allocations to pensioners from N50 million to N1 billion.”
He also noted that a committee has been set up to review the compulsory pension scheme, with a report to be submitted to the governor for further action.
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo also received the new branch controller of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Edo State, Apanke Utande, who paid a courtesy visit to Government House. The governor encouraged the CBN to partner with his administration in initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Edo residents.