By: Aishat Ohunene Yusuf
As dawn broke on the 2026 International Workers’ Day, the spirit of resilience and purpose echoed across Kogi State. It was more than a celebration, it was a moment of reflection on the realities of work, the dignity of labour, and the challenges that shape the everyday lives of workers.
In a heartfelt and thought-provoking message, the Head of Civil Service, Hajiya Falilat Yusuf Musa, Esq., told the story of the Kogi worker; not just as a workforce, but as a collective of determined individuals whose daily sacrifices keep the machinery of government running. She described them as the livewire of productivity and efficiency, quietly powering the engine of governance with dedication, discipline, and an unyielding sense of duty.
This year’s theme, “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work,” formed the core of her narrative. She acknowledged that behind every desk, every file, and every policy implemented, there are real human experiences shaped by economic pressures and security concerns. Yet, despite these realities, Kogi workers have remained steadfast in showing up, delivering results, and sustaining the system.
She noted that insecurity and poverty are not distant concepts but real challenges that can erode confidence, limit productivity, and threaten the very essence of decent work. However, she was quick to add that the story of Kogi State is one of deliberate action and steady progress.
According to her, the State Government, under the purposeful leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, has continued to take bold and strategic steps to create a stable environment where both governance and labour relations can thrive. Through sustained engagement with organized labour, the administration has fostered trust, minimized industrial disputes, and strengthened collaborations, ensuring that the voice of workers remains heard and respected.
She further highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity across the state, noting that peace and safety remain fundamental to productivity and economic stability. Ongoing security interventions, strengthened community collaboration, and proactive governance measures have contributed to a more secure environment, allowing workers to carry out their duties with greater confidence and peace of mind.
She equally explained that the government has continued to reposition the civil service through targeted reforms by promoting digital transformation, enhancing capacity-building programmes, and improving institutional efficiency. These efforts are designed not only to modernize the system but to empower workers with the skills and tools required in today’s evolving work environment to meet with global best practices.
More importantly, she outlined practical, people-focused plans that directly impact workers’ welfare. From the consistent and timely payment of salaries to the thoughtful policy of early salary disbursement during festive periods, the administration has demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of civil servants.
Additional measures, including structured career progression, continuous professional development, improved workplace conditions, and open channels of communication with labour unions, reflect a government that prioritizes its workforce.
In her words, “When workers feel secure and supported, productivity becomes natural, and efficiency follows effortlessly.”
As the story of the 2026 May Day unfolded, it became clear that the celebration was not just about honouring workers but about reaffirming a shared commitment to confront insecurity, reduce poverty, and build a system where decent work is not a privilege but a standard.
In conclusion, Hajiya Falilat Yusuf Musa, Esq. called on all civil servants to key into the Chief Servant’s rebranding initiatives aimed at reimagining Kogi State as a confluence of opportunities. She urged workers to align with this vision by embracing innovation, professionalism, and a renewed sense of purpose in service delivery.
She further encouraged the workforce to remain resilient, forward-thinking, and committed to excellence, assuring them of the government’s unwavering dedication to their welfare and to creating an enabling environment where they can thrive.
Indeed, the 2026 May Day celebration in Kogi State stands as a powerful chapter in an ongoing story of partnership, progress, and a collective determination to build a more secure, productive, and prosperous civil service.
Information Officer, OHOCS
