BENIN CITY — Civil and public servants in Edo State have expressed profound appreciation to Governor Monday Okpebholo for his unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare, highlighted by the recent increase of the state’s minimum wage from ₦70,000 to ₦75,000.
The Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, in a statement issued on behalf of the state’s workforce, praised the governor for “exceptional and steadfast dedication” to improving both the quality of life and working conditions of civil servants during his seven months in office.
Among notable achievements cited were the extension of the state’s health insurance scheme to orphans and vulnerable groups, the regularisation of 1,000 outsourced cleaners as full employees benefitting from the new wage, and the recruitment of over 500 graduates into critical roles including education, engineering, law, and healthcare.
Okungbowa highlighted the prompt payment of salaries consistently made on or before the 26th of each month, including immediate salary disbursement after Governor Okpebholo took office and during Ramadan as further evidence of the administration’s commitment to staff welfare.
The statement also noted the elevation of five senior civil servants to Permanent Secretary, the revival of training programmes at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), and the policy of automatic employment for First Class graduates with opportunities for government-sponsored postgraduate studies.
Okungbowa added that infrastructure upgrades, such as the ongoing reconstruction of two major civil service buildings on Ezoti Street, would significantly improve the working environment.
He commended the governor for fostering professionalism and morale in the service and pledged the continued loyalty and dedication of Edo’s civil and public servants.
