By Rosemary Okoduwa
In a significant move to enhance the welfare of Edo State workers, Governor Monday Okpebholo has increased the minimum wage from N70,000 to N75,000 per month. This announcement was made during the May Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo expressed his administration’s commitment to improving the standard of living for Edo workers, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the state’s growth and development. He emphasized that the new minimum wage is a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
The Governor highlighted several initiatives undertaken by his administration to improve workers’ welfare, including: Converting over 1,000 casual workers to core civil servant, Recruiting 500 new teachers to ease classroom pressure, Reviewing the casual positions of over 3,000 Edo State teachers for possible full employment, Recruiting 450 clinical and non-clinical staff for state hospitals, Clearing outstanding salary arrears owed to Edo State polytechnic staff.
The acting chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, commended Governor Okpebholo for his laudable policies and programmes aimed at alleviating the suffering and hardships faced by Edo workers and pensioners.
The increase in minimum wage and other welfare initiatives demonstrate Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to the well-being of Edo State workers. As the state celebrates May Day, the Governor’s gesture is seen as a significant step towards improving the lives of workers and their families.