We Will Continue to Prioritize Welfare of Workers in the State”, Gov Ododo Assures Labour*

By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has affirmed his commitment to continue prioritizing the wellbeing of the workforce in the state.

Governor Ododo made the pledge today February 11, 2025 during the Central Working Committee Meeting and Unveiling of eleven CNG Buses by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the Labor House in Lokoja.

In a Press statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr Unubi Emmanuel, the Governor who was Represented by the Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, emphasized that his administration has effectively maintained industrial harmony and fostered an environment where every workers feels valued and empowered. He highlighted that with the collaborative efforts of labor, Kogi State is poised to evolve into a more prosperous state that will significantly contribute to the advancement of Nigeria as a whole.

In addition to Improving welfare benefits for workers, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo maintained that the state government has consistently provided quarterly relief palliatives to workers and vulnerable segments of society to mitigate the impacts of global economic challenges.

Commending the NLC President and members of the Central Working Committee, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo lauded their decision to establish the base for eleven CNG buses in the North Central Region in Kogi State. He remarked that the initiative will undoubtedly enhance both inter- and intra-state mobility, particularly benefiting the most vulnerable members of society.

Governor Ododo emphasized that infrastructural development remains a key priority of his administration. He noted that the state government has undertaken the construction and illumination of crucial roads in the state, including the zone eight-Crusher and Zango dual Carriage roads.

Governor Ododo affirmed that his doors are always open to constructive dialogue, collaboration, and sincere advice for the brighter future of the state.

Earlier in his address, the National President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajero, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for improving the economic welfare of workers in the state. He urged the State Government to recruit additional civil servants to augment the state workforce, particularly in the primary school and the Health sector, and reconsider the prohibition of unions in the state.

The State Chairman of the NLC, Kogi State Council, Comrade Amari Gabriel, expressed gratitude to the National Leadership of NLC for selecting Kogi State to unveil the CNG Buses in Lokoja for the North Central region. He pledged to utilize the buses as intended and applauded the state government for its efforts in improving the welfare of workers. Furthermore, he appealed to the government to address the issue of revenue-generating agencies encroaching on the collection of revenues designated for the trade union, particularly in the transport sector.

In his statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on labor matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka, highlighted that the current administration maintains a harmonious relationship with the Labour Congress in the state. And commended the labor leaders for advocating on behalf of Nigerian workers.