By Emily Eghosa
As part of his administration’s commitments to enhancing good governance and improving livelihoods, the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has employed 360 personnel into the State Civil Service from across the three senatorial districts.
According to the State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, the newly recruited workers have been deployed to various ministries departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen the State’s workforce. In a press briefing in Benin City, the HOS emphasised the present administration’s shift from the previous reliance on contractors and consultants for essential services like office cleaning.
Dr. Okungbowa explained that Governor Okpebholo was dissatisfied with the system, which prioritized profit over workers’ welfare. In response, the Governor directed a transition to direct employment, ensuring that all employees now receive the N70,000 minimum wage, as against the previous arrangement, where contractors employed cleaners on behalf of the State Government, with workers earning between N20,000 and N30,000 monthly with its attendant job insecurity.
“This administration is committed to ensuring Edo people benefit directly from Government policies. The 360 individuals employed have been issued appointment letters and deployed to their respective ministries and parastatals. This initiative guarantees job security and a living wage. Another batch of workers will soon be employed to meet the workforce needs of the State’s Civil Service,” he revealed.
Dr. Okungbowa expressed gratitude on behalf of Edo State workers, lauding Governor Okpebholo for his people-oriented approach and commitment to improving the welfare of citizens.
“This administration has redefined governance by prioritizing the people. These new civil servants now have the security and dignity of working directly under the State Government; a stark departure from the uncertainties of working under contractors,” he concluded.
The initiative underscores the Governor’s pledge to improve governance across all sectors, ensuring Edo citizens directly benefit from state resources and opportunities.
