By ojotule Romanus
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has restated his administration’s commitment to build a vibrant workforce, just as he has pleged to embark on fresh recruitment drive to fill open positions in the state civil service.
Governor Ododo, who desclosed this when he played host to the leadership of Organized Labour, Kogi State chapter in Government House, Lokoja, equally assured the labour leaders of his commitment towards sustainable, inclusive and people-oriented governance.
The Governor also presented three buses to the organised labour unions, as part of efforts to strengthen workers’ welfare and enhance the operational capacity of labour organisations.
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Speaking further during his engagement with the leadership of organised labour, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s determination to improve the welfare of workers, just as he promised to address legitimate demands presented by labour unions as soon as resources become available.
While speaking extensively on the plans for fresh employment opportunities in the state, the governor assured that the process would be transparent as well as targeted at areas where manpower is needed.
The move he added, would go a long way in reducing unemployment and strengthening service delivery.
In his address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka, described the engagement as another demonstration of Governor Ododo’s inclusive leadership.
He listed several interventions already recorded under the administration, including the increase in minimum wage, tax relief on minimum wage, 35 per cent allowance for health workers, health insurance for workers and free medical care for pensioners.
Edoka also noted the appointment of members of organised labour into government positions, describing the development as evidence that the administration has given workers a voice in governance and was committed to translating its promises into tangible policies.
The Kogi State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Gabriel Amari, described Governor Ododo as a labour-friendly Governor, expressing appreciation for his sustained attention to workers’ welfare.
He particularly commended the governor for sensitising workers on security matters across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
Amari said the three buses would significantly improve the unions’ operational capacity, allowing labour leaders to engage workers more effectively across the state.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Ahmed Tijani Suleiman, commended the administration for its continued engagement with organised labour and commitment to ensuring workers receive value for their services.
