_By Edeniyere Abraham Osose_
Towards improving the wellbeing of workers and residents in the state, the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration increased the monthly stipend of road sweepers from ₦18,000 to ₦35,000.
The State Government’s announcement on July 5, 2024, in Benin City, included the integration of road sweepers into the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme and their enrolment into several skills acquisition programmes through the Edo Skills Acquisition Agency (EdoJobs), marking a significant step towards enhancing their welfare.
The financial boost as a result of the increased stipend is happening at the wake of serious economic challenges in the country. The increment would ameliorate the financial strain on road sweepers, who often struggle to make ends meet with the previous ₦18,000 stipend. The new stipend of ₦35,000 would not only ease their financial burden but also serve as motivation, spurring them to perform their duties more diligently.
The inclusion of road sweepers in the State’s Health Insurance Scheme, which affords them access to quality healthcare, is another well-thought-out initiative by the State Government. The development addresses the cost of medical bills, granting them access to easy and affordable healthcare, thereby boosting their productivity.
The welfare initiative is beyond immediate financial and healthcare benefits. By offering to enrol the workers into various skills acquisition programmes through EdoJobs, the State Government aims to provide road sweepers with opportunities for personal and professional growth. The EdoJobs programme is designed to equip workers with contemporary functional skills that provide alternative career paths and enhance performance in alternative income sources.
The skills acquisition programme include training in various trades and vocations, which would guarantee beneficiaries’ employability. It will also enable road sweepers contribute to the overall economic development of the State. Empowering workers with new skills will help create a more versatile and capable workforce, attracting more investors and boosting the local economy.
The entire initiative is geared towards improving the cleanliness and healthiness of the environment in the State. With better pay and access to healthcare, workers are motivated and physically capable of performing their duties efficiently.
The administration’s focus on cleanliness is not just about aesthetics, but also about creating an environment that attracts investment. A clean and well-maintained city is more likely to attract businesses and investors, contributing to the State’s overall economic growth. Hence, by prioritizing workers’ welfare and the city’s cleanliness, Governor Obaseki is setting a new standard for governance that balances economic development with social responsibility.
The General Manager of the Edo State Waste Management Board, Ms. Rita Idehai, hinted that benefits abound for the State, including a well-structured circular economy, partnership with investors, and the establishment of recycling companies that would help create more jobs and boost the economic growth of the State.
This would also create sustainable economic opportunities for residents by enabling them to earn a living through the recycling of waste materials. The approach will not only address waste management issues but also promote environmental sustainability and wealth creation.
By investing in the environment, particularly in the area of waste management and the welfare of road sweepers, Governor Obaseki is building a foundation for long-term sustainability and prosperity in Edo State. The increased stipend of road sweepers and their inclusion into the health insurance scheme and skills acquisition programmes have set a new dawn for workers’ prosperity in the State.
