By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
GOVERNOR Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi has assured state civil workforce of improved welfare as he pledged to address the impact of the economic downturn on civil servants in the state.
Governor Ododo disclosed this while briefing newsmen after an interactive session with leaders of the organized labour in the state in Lokoja.
“We have come to interface with the leadership of the organized labour as usual because this is one of the legacies of our leader, His Excellency, the former Governor of Kogi state laid down for us to continue”, he said.
Ododo who was in the company of leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other trade unions in the state during the briefing said the meeting was fruitful.
“We had a very robust conversation with the organized labour, the NLC, the TUC and other unions in the state.
“This is an opportunity for us to discuss not only the welfare of civil servants, but the affairs of our dear state which we have all been elected by our people to serve”, the Governor said.
Ododo reiterated his determination to make the welfare of workers a major priority of his administration.
He stressed that the interface with workers would be a regular part of his engagement with critical stakeholders for the progress and development of the state.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the labour unions in the state, NLC chairman, Gabriel Amari expressed happiness over the Governor’s interventions in the welfare of workers in just two months of his administration.
Amari noted with satisfaction Governor Ododo’s candour and optimism in addressing matters arising from economic hardship as they affect workers in the state.
He added that the workers were confident that improved welfare promised by the Governor would be realized within a short time under what he described as “the most labour-friendly administration in the history of the state.”
On his part, chairman of the TUC in the state, Comr. Sule Ahmed Tijani, noted that the interactive session with the Governor would strengthen the relationship between the organized labour and the government.
He expressed delight that Kogi State is blessed to have two former civil servants and trade unionists as Governor and Deputy Governor in the current administration in the state. (Ends)