Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has increased the minimum wage for Edo State workers from N70, 000 to N75, 000 to further improve their standard of living. Governor Okpebholo made the announcement while delivering his May Day speech at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City Edo State. The Governor, while appreciating the contributions of Edo State workers to the growth and development of Edo State, said his administration will always seek ways to improve the welfare of Edo workers. Okpebholo noted that the workers’ day celebration 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’s our way of saying thank you, Edo workers. We believe this will make a real difference, and in return, we count on your renewed dedication as we build a better Edo together. “Since assuming office, my administration has remained fully committed to the welfare of our workers. One of our first actions in office was to convert many casual workers, including over 1,000 cleaners who, for years, had no job security into the core civil service, giving them stability and peace of mind. “We hired 500 new teachers to ease classroom pressure and help students learn better. We are also reviewing the casual position of over 3,000 Edo State teachers for possible full employment because their effort will shape our children’s future,” he said.

Continuing, Okpebholo said, “We approved the recruitment of 450 clinical and non-clinical staff for our State hospitals and regularized 126 contract staff at Edo State Specialist hospital. These steps not only strengthen our health system but also improve job stability for health professionals.” The Governor also used the medium to inform the public that his administration has cleared outstanding salary arrears owed to Edo State polytechnic staff. “In the judiciary, we made sure that judges who had been delayed in their appointments were properly sworn in and now fully carrying out their duties.

“To show our commitment doesn’t end at retirement, we have also approved health insurance coverage for our retirees because we believed that our responsibility to workers doesn’t end when they leave active service.” Governor Okpebholo said his administration is committed to 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.

“As we mark this day, I joined His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and my fellow governor’s in wishing all Nigerian workers a peaceful and fulfilling celebration. Your efforts shaped our nation and laid the foundation for a better tomorrow.” The acting chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide commended the governor of Edo State senator Monday Okpebholo for the formations and implementation of laudable policies and programmes towards alleviating the suffering and hardships faced by Edo 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 borders on the very serious challenges faced by the Nigerian workers and the people as a result of the present day economic hardship faced by them in the country. Egwekhide thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo led administration for taking the welfare of Edo workers very seriously and embarked on interventions that to a great extent enabled workers in the State to enjoy their civil rights. “Just within six months in office, you have done excellently well for Edo State for Edo State workers as your performance is beyond our expectations as workers. “We thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the support given to Edo State Government as the first flyover is under construction while a second one has been approved. Federal roads across the State are also getting the needed attention they deserve.”

Guest at the event include Deputy Governor of Edo State Hon. Dannis Idahosa; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku; secretary to Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Gani Audu, Head of Service (HOS), Anthony Okungbowa; former deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shaibu; chairman of APC, Edo State Jaret Tenebe; party leaders, labour leaders, Edo State workers, amongst others.