By Jethro Ibileke
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state has announced the launching of ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs in the state.
Okpeholo disclosed this during the Workers’ Day celebration at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin on Friday.
The Governor who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, said his administration takes workers’ welfare as a top priority.
He described all public workers including teachers, health workers, civil servants, artisans, traders, and security personnel, as the backbone of Edo’s progress who are worthy of celebration, noting that their daily efforts keep the state moving.
Okpebholo urged workers in the state to be patient as he has constituted a high-powered committee to review the pension contributory scheme and advise him on the next step of action, regarding the contributory pension scheme they had faulted.
“My dear workers, this administration believes governance must be measured by impact, not promises. We will continue to work with labour in mutual respect and good faith as we build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Edo State.
“Let me also appreciate our labour leaders for their support and cooperation, which have sustained a cordial relationship between labour and government. Your constructive engagement has helped us focus on development,” he said.
The Governor explained that since coming on board he has ensured prompt payment of salaries and sustained payment of the 13th month salary.
“A year ago, we approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 monthly because labour deserves decent reward.”
Meanwhile, the factional chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Bernard Egwakhide, has called on Okpebholo, to exit the State worker from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
Egwakhide who made the call during the May Day celebration, said the call became necessary, because the CPS leaves workers poorer and imposes hardship on workers after retirement.
According to him, “When retirement becomes a season of anxiety, governance must respond with assurance by restoring a system that guarantees peace of mind, a boosted morale, and a secured future.
“The continued inclusion of workers employed before 2017 in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), a policy which, in both principle and application contradicts established norms of fairness and legal propriety has become a serious concern to our workers across the State.”
Egwakhide noted that the imposition of the CPS on workers employed under the Defined Benefit Scheme (065) represents a clear deviation from fair principle and has generated deep dissatisfaction across the workforce.
