May Day 26: Gov Ododo Celebrates Workers, Promises Better Welfare

By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Lokoja
May 1, 2026

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has congratulated workers in the state on the 2026 Workers’ Day, thanking them for their hard work and dedication to progress of the state.

In his may day address at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja, the Governor represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, said workers are very important to the growth of Kogi State, and praised their efforts in keeping the state moving forward. He said he understands their challenges and is committed to supporting them.

Governor Ododo said his administration is working to make the civil service better by improving skills, encouraging good performance, and making workers more productive.

He listed some of the steps his government has taken to support workers, including regular payment of salaries and pensions, timely promotions, payment of retirees’ benefits, and maintaining peace with labour unions. He added that training and development of workers will continue to be a priority.

The Governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his policies aimed at improving workers’ welfare across the country.

He urged workers to remain hardworking, and committed to their duties, stressing that everyone has a role to play in building a better Kogi State.

The Governor called on workers to always speak well about Kogi State and support efforts to promote the state, noting that this will attract investments and create more job opportunities.

He assured workers that their efforts are appreciated and that his government will continue to look after their welfare.

“Your hard work is valued, and together we will move Kogi forward,” he added.

Ealier the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kogi State Chapter, Comrade Gabriel Amari, in his remarks, commended the Governor for his worker-friendly policies and consistent attention to labour unions.

He noted improvements in prompt salary payments, implementation of promotions, pension harmonization and health insurance scheme, among others, while also appealing for continued government attention to issues such as reinstatement of 441 screened and cleared civil servants, strategic recruitment, restoration of Union rights in tertiary institutions, and other welfare packages.

He reaffirmed labour’s readiness to sustain collaboration with the government to ensure productivity and industrial peace in the state.

Highpoint of the event was the unanimous endorsement of the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for a second term in office come 2027.

The endorsement was made by all labour union bodies present, led by the immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kogi State Chapter, Comrade Onuh Edoka, on behalf of the State Labour Council.

The labour leaders said the Governor’s worker-friendly policies, consistent prioritization of the welfare of the workforce, and his commitment to industrial harmony are the reasons for their endorsement.