Workers’ Day: Gov. Alia Reiterates Commitment to Workers’ Well-being

By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the well-being of workers as a means of enhancing productivity and efficiency.

The governor made this known on Friday at the IBB Square in Makurdi during the celebration of Workers’ Day, stressing that no nation can thrive without a productive and committed workforce.

Represented by his deputy, Mr. Sam Ode, Alia stated that the payment of workers’ salaries has been made a non-negotiable priority, adding that his administration would stop at nothing to ensure a conducive working environment.

He noted that the implementation of a N75,000 minimum wage nearly two years ago—N5,000 above the Federal Government’s benchmark—demonstrates the high priority his administration places on workers’ welfare.

“Apart from ensuring prompt promotion of our civil servants as and when due, we have also been gradually clearing months of salary arrears owed to workers since 2017 by the immediate past administration.

“We have revived and sustained the culture of staff training and retraining in order to equip our workers with the capacity needed to meet the demands of their jobs.

“For instance, just a year ago, we flagged off the training of 40,000 state and local government civil servants on e-governance tools and ICT skills. We also launched the state Electronic Document Management System (EDM), the Benue State Geographic Information Systems (BENGIS) portal, as well as the Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal.

“Our government believes in a workforce that is informed and empowered, especially with digital skill sets, to function effectively in today’s technologically driven world,” he said.

The governor further disclosed that his administration had renovated and fully electrified the Benue State Secretariat and several other civil service buildings across the state to restore dignity and improve working conditions.

“We shall stop at nothing to ensure that the average Benue worker is proud of his or her workplace and is comfortable there. A conducive and dignified working environment is essential for productivity and efficiency,” he added.

Alia also highlighted efforts to create employment opportunities for youths, noting that over 9,000 qualified teachers were recruited into the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) last year to improve the quality of education in public primary schools.

He further listed achievements of his administration to include the renovation of 89 primary healthcare centres, subsidisation of fertiliser for farmers, and the promotion of mechanised agriculture.

“Over 100 roads have been awarded across the state. Our aspiration is to lift the state out of its current challenges.

“Our partnership with workers has enhanced industrial harmony in the state. I urge you to remain dedicated and disciplined in the discharge of your duties and to shun truancy,” the governor advised.