Edo govt recommits to building capacity of staff, improving welfare to enhance productivity

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building the capacity of civil and public servants, ensuring improved welfare and a conducive working environment for the workers to enhance productivity.

The Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq. gave the assurance when he received members of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Edo State Chapter, who were on a courtesy visit to his office, at the Government House, Benin City.

Okungbowa said the state government under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, has in the past six years embarked on a series of reforms in the civil and public service to boost worker’s morale and productivity, ensuring they are provided with the knowledge, skills, and tools to deliver quality service to the people.

Noting that the government has sustained investment in the welfare, training, and development of the workers, the Head of Service stated, "I must say without any fear of contradiction that the Edo civil and public service is the best in Nigeria. We owe all of that to the vision of His Excellency, the Governor. He leads the way and we just follow.”

He highlighted some of the achievements by the state government in the service including the implementation of the N40,000 minimum wage, prompt and regular payment of salaries and pensions, training and retraining of workers, conducive workplace, the recent approval of the 13th-month salary for Edo workers, among others.

According to him, "Because of the governor's commitment to the welfare of Edo workers, all these have been achieved at a time some state governments are unable to pay the N30,000 minimum wage.

"Mr. Governor has constantly put measures in place to ensure that the civil/public service which is the engine of government is strengthened.”

Okungbowa noted the Governor has put measures in place to ensure that every student of Edo extraction with a first class is automatically employed into service as part of efforts to populate the service with quality manpower.

Earlier, the Chairman of ANAN, Edo State Chapter, Mr. Austin Odigie, commended the state government for its sustained investment in the welfare and wellbeing of workers in the state, assuring the continued support and partnership of the association.

Absolutely commendable you excellency.You are indeed a true leader.