Bernard Joman, the interim chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, has praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for taking a proactive stance on workers’ welfare and called him a “worker-friendly governor.”
Joman made his comments in reaction to the state’s public employees receiving their 13th month’s pay, which he said was done without any encouragement from the NLC.
“What the governor has done shows that he is truly worker-friendly,” Joman noted. “He paid the 13th-month salary voluntarily and without pressure from the NLC. This act of goodwill deserves recognition, and I urge workers to reciprocate by redoubling their efforts on the job.”
“I am confident that this initiative, which aims to boost morale during the festive period, will become a permanent feature of Governor Okpebholo’s administration,” the labor leader said.
Anthony Okungbowa, the Head of Service, praised the governor’s decision to pay the November and 13th-month salaries on time, stating that it demonstrated his commitment to raising employee dedication and productivity. Fred Itua, the governor’s chief press secretary, declared on Monday that Okpebholo had kept his word and paid the 13th month’s wages to the employees.
He said, “Governor Okpebholo has fulfilled one of his promises to Edo State workers by paying the 13th-month salary to make the festive period more enjoyable. This underscores his commitment to ensuring the welfare of workers is a top priority.”
Joman expressed optimism that Governor Okpebholo’s administration would continue to set a positive example in labour relations, ensuring a harmonious and productive working environment in Edo State.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was sworn in on the 12th of November 2024, paid civil and public servants in the state on the 27th of November amidst criticism by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, telling workers in the state that they will not get their salaries on time.
“Governor Okpebholo is not an accidental governor but he came prepared for governance as such within two weeks of assuming office as governor of Edo State fulfilled his promises to Edo State workers as he paid their November salaries without any delay,” Joman said.
