As part of efforts to actualize the food security and sufficiency aspirations of the ARISE Agenda, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has declared every first and third Friday of the month as work free days to enable workers effectively engage in farming activities.
Governor Eno made the declaration at the 2024 May Day celebration held at the Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo, with the theme, “People first.”
He noted that since the assumption of office, the government has made efforts to prioritize the welfare of workers, adding that his administration will continue to take care of workers’ welfare.
Governor Eno who is reputed for his compassionate disposition, said that N16.1 billion has so far been released for the payment of arrears of gratuity and also ordered immediate release of two billion to further defray the backlog of gratuity to retired workers in the State, bringing the total amount paid so far, by his administration to 18.1 billion Naira.
He appreciated the organised labour for the good working relationship saying, “In the course of our successful campaign, I made a pledge to continue to strengthen the cords of our relationship and I make bold to say that almost one year after, I have kept our promise. We’ve even exceeded your expectations.
“Let me also use this opportunity to thank the organized labour for your massive support during the March 18th elections, and that support made me stand here today as elected Governor of this State. We will continue to do our best to ensure that workers’ welfare receives priority attention.
“Today, I believe we have fulfilled some of those promises. As of today, we’ve disbursed over 16.1 billion Naira gratuities to our workers. Today, I am approving another 2 billion Naira for payment of gratuities across board for the month of April. We will continue to monitor this payment, we will continue to audit this payment, and we will continue to ensure that this payment gets to the right people. please keep us informed when you notice that things are not going in the right direction.
“We have approved and granted refund of outstanding N7.5% contributory pension scheme, we have paid 3 months promotions, we have released 2023 promotions, we granted approval for the conduct of service examination, we have invested in affordable housing unit for our workers in Ibiono Ibom Local Government.
“I have authorized and work is ongoing at the 3rd Ring Road so that we can link our workers there to Uyo. We have approved your land allocations, and so you can begin your building at any time. We recently swore in Permanent Secretaries, and we would appoint more as some are soon to retire. Of course, the 13 months’ salary is ongoing. We have approved the recruitment of health workers in the State for the Primary health centres,” he added.
On the issue of minimum wage for workers; he said, “We will wait on the federal government to provide more details and we will implement the new minimum wage for our workers.
“For the Bulk Purchase Agency, it is a short-term intervention. For a more sustainable solution, we must go back to the farm, working with the Ministry of Agriculture. I am therefore declaring the first and last Friday of every month Farm days in the State. It won’t be a day for funerals. We will monitor to ensure everyone goes to the farm,” he said.
In response to an earlier request by labour, the governor presented two vehicles to the chairmen of NLC and TUC.
Earlier in his remarks, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Sunny James appreciated Governor Umo Eno for fulfilling his campaign promises to Akwa Ibom workers, stressing that organized labour is never quick at praising Governors but said that given the strides of Governor Eno in less than one year in office, he deserves a louder ovation.
He specifically appreciated the Governor for prompt payment of gratuities to retirees of the State, local government and primary school teachers; approvals for the refund of 7.5% contributory pension from workers and many other gestures which according to him are answers to prayers of Akwa Ibom workers.
Similarly, his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Dominic Abang, specially appreciated the governor for always putting the people of the State first in line with the theme of the celebration.
In their separate solidarity messages, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ekaette Obot represented by Hon Justice Aniekan Akpan, Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planing, Aniefiok Nkom, and the State controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, congratulated the workers on their successful 2024 celebration and described the workers as pilars of social growth.
They commended Governor Umo Eno for prioritising the welfare of Akwa Ibom workers as well as retired ones through the 13th month salary, palliatives, and regular release of funds for payment of arrears of gratuity; and pledged to always support the governor in his efforts to do more for Akwa Ibom workers thr toough the ARISE Agenda.
