Edo State civil servants have welcomed the new year with renewed confidence and financial relief following the payment of a 13th-month salary by Governor Monday Okpebholo, a gesture many workers say underscores his administration’s commitment to their welfare.
The bonus payment, made during the festive period, sparked visible excitement across government offices in Benin City, where workers described it as a timely intervention that eased end-of-year pressures and restored morale within the public service.
Journalists who visited the Edo State Secretariat and several key ministries — including Information and Strategy, Lands and Housing, Environment and Sustainability, and Education in Iyaro — observed a buoyant atmosphere as staff confirmed receiving the additional salary.
At the Ministry of Information and Strategy, the Director of Orientation, Mrs Rose Imonikhe, said the alert came unexpectedly and was greeted with joy.
“I woke up to the alert this morning — the 13th-month salary,” she said. “I am truly grateful to the governor. The smiles you see on my face reflect the mood of officers across the Edo State civil service.”
She explained that the payment arrived at a critical time, when many workers had already stretched their December earnings to the limit.
“This support means people can enter the new year with some financial breathing space. Parents can settle school fees, tenants can renew their rents, and families can plan better. The impact of this payment will be far-reaching,” Imonikhe said.
Calling for renewed dedication among public servants, she urged workers to match the governor’s gesture with improved service delivery.
“The governor has demonstrated leadership and concern. Civil servants must respond with greater commitment. He is eager to deliver the dividends of democracy, and the civil service remains central to achieving that goal,” she added.
Similar reactions were recorded at the Ministry of Lands and Housing, where staff members, including Beatrice Ihulde, Precious Abu, Bridget Igbinovia and Onyinyechi Florence, described the payment as a clear signal that the government prioritises workers’ wellbeing.
At the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, the Director of Administration, Mrs Egbe Jocy, also commended the initiative, noting that it would boost morale and translate into improved productivity across the service.
Many workers agreed that the 13th-month salary has not only eased financial strain but also strengthened confidence in the Okpebholo administration’s people-focused approach to governance.
Governor Okpebholo had announced the implementation of the 13th-month salary shortly after assuming office in November 2024, a policy now being widely applauded as a practical demonstration of his resolve to support Edo State’s workforce and strengthen the public sector.
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