Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun in a statement released on Friday disclosed that as a child of civil servants, he grew up looking forward to May Day celebrations.
However, for the first time in the history of 44 years of existence of Ogun State, the state alongside other part of the world are unable to celebrate it in grand style for obvious reasons.
Dapo Abiodun said, “despite the peculiar circumstances, I congratulate the NLC & TUC on yet another Workers Day, & I again promise that we will continue to maintain the welfare of our civil servants, just as we have insisted that most of them work from home to avoid the risk of #COVID19 infection.
I am particularly appreciative of our frontline workers in health, environment and security, and this is not just by word of mouth.”
The state govt disclosed that it has taken the following steps to pursue the welfare of our workers:
A. Undramatic Minimum Wage negotiation;
B. Prompt payment of monthly salaries; C. Empowerment to MDAs through regular release of Running Cost for administrative efficiency;
D (i). Review of selling price for A.A.K. Degun Estate and relaxation of terms for sale at 6% simple interest rate from 18%; D (ii) Refund of N1.5million to allottees with completed payments of N7million for some apartments;
E. Ongoing construction of 400-unit Prince’s Court for workers at Kemta Idi-Aba, Abeokuta; F. Absorption of over 1,000 2018 ASCON entrants into the Civil Service, with 9-months salary arrears payment;
G. Re-absorption of 28 Community schools and 578 teachers in the Teaching Service; H. Pardon and re-absorption of officers in the Education Ministry, whose appointments were terminated by the immediate past administration following the controversial 2015 sessional examination;
I. Release of promotion arrears (2016 & 2017) of over 1,500 staff of the TESCOM; J. Appointment and posting of new Principals and VPs in Secondary Schools; and
K. Payment of COVID-19 Special Hazard Allowance of 200% increase to health workers, and Special Risk Allowance and Life Insurance for personnel treating COVID-19 patients.
Dapo Abiodun added, “I understand that we have among other issues before us, 2018, 2019 and the coming 2020 promotion exercise, payment of retirees’ gratuities, and the payment of the new Minimum Wage.
While we continue to work towards better working conditions, I wish to announce that there will be a gradual resumption of work for certain categories of State Civil Servants, from Monday, 4th May. The Head of Service will be revealing modalities subsequently.
I urge all our Muslim brothers and sisters to make use of the Holy Month to intercede with the Almighty Allah (SWT) on behalf of our dear State for peace, a way out of this pandemic, so that life may return to what we used to know it to be.”
