From Moshood Karim

As Governor Monday Okpebholo marks his first one hundred days in office, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Chapter, has lauded his administration’s significant contributions towards improving the welfare of workers in the State.

At a press briefing held on Tuesday in Benin City, the Acting Chairman of the NLC in Edo State, Comrade Bernard Joman, commended Governor Okpebholo for implementing several labour-friendly policies that have positively impacted workers. Among the notable achievements highlighted were the direct employment of 360 cleaners into the State’s civil service workforce, the recruitment of approximately 500 teachers, and the long-overdue promotion of teachers covering the period from 2021 to 2024.

“We at the NLC in Edo State express our gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo for the remarkable strides he has made within this short period, especially concerning the welfare of workers, both civil and public servants,” Comrade Joman stated. “What he has achieved in just three months, some governors fail to accomplish in four years. It is commendable, and we believe it deserves celebration.”

The labour leader further acknowledged the governor’s decision to reinstate over 2,000 workers into the State’s civil service, an act that has provided relief to many families. Additionally, he praised the administration for increasing subventions to some of the State’s higher institutions, a move expected to boost the efficiency of tertiary education in Edo State.

A key highlight of Comrade Joman’s address was his appreciation for the governor’s confidence in local workers. He noted that Governor Okpebholo had resisted the temptation to engage external consultants, instead entrusting Edo workers with critical State functions.

“We thank the governor for believing in Edo workers and not outsourcing their jobs to consultants from outside the State,” he said. “This decision ensures that our workforce remains gainfully employed and contributes effectively to the State’s development.”

Despite these commendations, the NLC urged the governor to take further steps to strengthen the Civil service by constituting the Civil Service Commission. Comrade Joman emphasised that this would enhance efficiency in workers’ administration and ensure the sustainability of the progress already achieved.

“As we celebrate these milestones, we appeal to the governor to constitute the Civil Service Commission to further improve workers’ administration,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo’s first one hundred days have been marked by strategic initiatives aimed at improving workers’ welfare, and the NLC’s commendation underscores the positive reception of these policies within the labour sector. As the administration progresses, workers in Edo State remain hopeful that these efforts will be sustained and expanded for the greater good of the State’s workforce.

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