By Aniekan Umanah
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🎈It was Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, who famously said, “The test of good government is its concern for the welfare of the people.” This is the guiding principle of Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
🎈Living up to this strong commitment to put the people first, and in an intentional demonstration of people-centric leadership style, Governor Eno has introduced welfarist policies that place the administration in its true humanitarian mould. And workers in Akwa Ibom State are prime beneficiaries, including those who have retired from service. From approving the new minimum wage of 80 thousand Naira to paying backlogs of benefits and empowering persons and sectors, the administration has solidified its reputation for prioritizing public service and fostering inclusive growth, and labour and favour are beyond pun and rhyme but synonymous in Akwa Ibom State. A plethora of evidence abounds.
🎈Governor Umo Eno has not just approved the payment of a new minimum wage of N80,000 for public workers in Akwa Ibom, effective January 2025, he has done that with retrospective adjustments from November 2024. This monumental decision ensures that workers can meet their financial needs amidst rising economic pressures. This is a reflection of the welfarism disposition of the governor, deservingly earning him a workers-friendly governor.
🎈Comrade Etido Solomon, a public affairs analyst, noted that, “In comparison to other states, Akwa Ibom’s new minimum wage places it in the top tier of worker-friendly states in Nigeria, surpassing the federal government’s benchmark of N70,000 and reflecting its commitment to worker welfare.” With this new N80,000 minimum wage, Akwa Ibom showcases Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to ensuring the financial well-being of public workers, securing its place as one of the leading worker-friendly states in Nigeria.
🎈This joyous development follows the submission of a meticulous staff verification report by Elder Effiong Essien, the Head of Service, which was conducted to ensure transparency and eliminate discrepancies in the payroll system.
🎈For Governor Eno, it is not just about paying the minimum wage, but about addressing the overall welfare of the people, including retired workers. He is demonstrated this commitment for the umpteenth time, never relenting in making workers happy, not tired of making retired workers excited.
🎈Phoebe Samuel, an Uyo-based retired civil servant, stated, “ We have a Governor who is not looking at payment of pensions and gratuities as charity , but a right of retirees earned through years of dedicated service and sacrifice. He is a leader that values retirees and has demonstrated that that he is a son a public servant who worked , retired and often went through agonies of owed pensions and benefits”
🎈Governor Eno clearly values retirees and is committed to their welfare. Little wonder that he has already paid N47 billion of the N97 billion backlog of gratuities and other entitlements owed to public workers, pledging to continue to offset further. This historic intervention brings relief to retirees and active public servants who had long awaited their dues.
By prioritizing these payments, the administration addresses decades-long grievances and restores trust in government, as well as making the civil service attractive, lucrative and rewarding.
🎈Another remarkable gesture by Governor Umo Eno is the payment of N1.2 billion as wardrobe allowances for teachers in Akwa Ibom State . This initiative not only improves the working conditions of teachers but also underscores the Governor’s dedication to fostering education and empowering educators who shape the future of the state. His belief is that no society grows beyond its investment in the education sector. Hence, developing the infrastructure should be placed side by side with the welfare of teachers who are major stakeholders in the education sector.
🎈To further boost morale and operational efficiency, the administration has provided Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to all Permanent Secretaries in the state. This move equips senior officials with the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively, while also recognizing their invaluable contributions to the state’s development. This is a major spur to optimum productivity, which will be in the best interest of the State.
🎈Pastor Eno’s administration continues to set a benchmark for worker-centric governance. By addressing critical issues such as wage increments, delayed entitlements, and improved welfare for educators and senior officials, the Governor has positioned Akwa Ibom as a model of effective leadership and an exemplar for good governance.
🎈The Governor’s actions have been met with widespread acclaim from public workers, labour unions, and other stakeholders. Many have praised his administration for delivering on promises and implementing policies that significantly improve the quality of life for workers.
🎈In the words of Ubong John, a teacher , “Governor Umo Eno has proven to be a leader who listens to the needs of his people. His policies have given us hope and confidence in the government.”
🎈The Pastor- Governor’s benevolence towards public workers in the State is a testament to his vision and love for the people .By approving one of the highest minimum wages in the country, payment of backlogs of benefits, empowering teachers, and providing essential tools to senior officials, his administration has set a new standard for governance.
🎈As Akwa Ibom continues to reap the benefits of these initiatives, Governor Umo Eno’s legacy as a transformative and compassionate leader is solidified, earning him a place in the annals of the state’s history.
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Post Script: Verification, Etal …
🎈The Payroll Verification exercise ordered by Governor Umo Eno revealed that out of 55,120 , 52.177 persons turned up. 2, 943 did not show up. From the verified numbers, 6, 193 have issues with the verification. So far, 45,984 have been cleared for payment of the new minimum wage with effect from November 1 , 2024.
🎈Meanwhile, Governor UmonEno has given a grace of one month by extending the tenure of the verification committee to allow those who have had genuine reasons for not being available to show up whilst the pensions register is being verified and cleaned up.
🎈There could not have been a better way for welfarism in him to find expression as a workers-friendly governor!
