Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has rolled out bumper package for workers, job seekers and pensioners in the state which includes recruitment of new hands, approval of outstanding promotions and provision of social housing for workers in the state. The governor also said outstanding issues with pension arrears payment are being addressed as he has approved the release of N1.5bn from the Paris Fund Refund to liquidate the outstanding local government pension arrears.
Speaking to workers on the commemoration of the 2018 Workers’ Day at the University of Benin Sports Complex, Ugbowo, Benin City, the governor said the workers have been supportive and instrumental to the successes being recorded in the state.
Noting that capacity building forms a huge part of the reforms in the civil service, he said, “An Edo State Civil Service Training Institute for civil servants will be unveiled before the end of the year. The facility is ready with relevant technology and experts are now putting together courses, training modules and the faculty. This is to empower our workers and make them relevant to our developmental goals. All Edo workers will henceforth have the opportunity to attend one or two trainings annually. This will strengthen our civil service and empower our workers to do much better.”
On social housing for workers, he said the state was working with partners to develop a package to provide housing to workers in the state, adding, “In delivering Housing to workers, plans are on between the Federal Mortgage Bank, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the Edo State Government to provide Housing for Edo State workers.
The repositioned Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) is also working on social housing for Edo workers by private investors. According to him, “The process of computerising all government offices is on-going. The first set of 1000 computers have been procured and distributed. Another set of 1000 computers are on order. Workers are being trained by the ICT Agency. The overall goal is to maintain document security, reduce waste, improve efficiency and enhance service delivery. I am pleased to note that our workers are responding appropriately to this initiative.”
Meanwhile The Edo State Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC), has declared a total of N2.8 billion as allocation that accrued to the 18 Local Government Councils in the state from the Federation Account for the month of March. The Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the 18 local councils in the state rose by 44% to N187,076,193.66. Chairman, Esan South-East Local Government Council, Hon. Victor Emuakhagbon, disclosed this at the end of JAAC meeting which was presided over by the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.
According to him, “The total receipt for the month of March and shared in April was N2, 784, 590, 281. 12. Teachers’ salaries was N1, 103,807,046.71; deduction for pension was N264, 115,845.36; while total distributable fund shared by the 18 local government councils stands at N1, 124,183,069.76.” Emuakhagbon added, “Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the 18 local government councils increased by 44 percent with current total figures standing at N187, 076, 193.66.”
He said the increase in IGR followed the resolve by the council bosses to support the state governor’s drive to promote wealth creation and deliver dividends of democracy to the people. “With this renewed vigor, we would be able to provide support for the funding of the 2018 budget to improve the standard of living of the people,” he said.
