By Isaac Olamikan
Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of workers in the state, pledging to sustain investment in the civil and public service to ensure that every worker is better equipped to deliver efficient and effective service to Edo people.
The Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., gave the assurance during a meeting with the State’s Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) at the Government House in Benin City.
Okungbowa also sued for their support and collaboration of the workers, unions, and other stakeholders to reposition the Edo civil and public service.
He noted that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led state government has put in place measures to deepen the reform in the service, urging the council’s support to effectively communicate government policies and programmes to workers.
Okungbowa said the government has continued to ensure that workers’ salaries are paid as at when due, noting, “Training and retraining of staff is ongoing and the government has provided a conducive atmosphere for workers to carry out their jobs conveniently.”
“The ongoing structural reform is for the progress and growth of the service, as the government is committed to ensuring that every Edo worker is empowered to function optimally,” he added.
On his part, Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Edo State, Comrade Godwin Oisamaye applauded the Obaseki-led administration for the ongoing reforms taking place in the state’s civil and public service.
He further reassured that the JNC, which is the umbrella body of the Nigeria Labor Congress and Trade Union Congress in the State, will partner with the government to ensure effective service delivery to the people.
Present at the meeting are the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Lucky Wasa; Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Central Administration, Mr. Igberaese and
the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Establishment, Training and Manpower Services, Mrs. Felicia Edwards, among others.