Governor Obiano of Anambra State
By Sunny A. David, Awka
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment in implementing the new minimum wage.
He, however, said he would commence the implementation once the guidelines for the payment were released by the Federal Government.
Addressing workers during the 2019 Workers’ Day celebration at Ekwueme Square, Awka, the Governor maintained that his administration was ready to offer better opportunities that would promote welfare of workers in the state.
“I will begin the implementation once the guidelines for the payment of the minimum wage are released by the Federal Government,” he explained.
Chief Obiano said his administration had been fair to the state workers, saying “we have never failed to pay salaries, come rain, come shine.
“We have cleared outstanding pensions that had accumulated for over 25 years, from the inception of our state. We have continued to give out bags of rice to workers to give everyone a sense of belonging during Christmas seasons.
“The Mass Transit buses we provided have made life more bearable to our workers. And in the middle of all these, we are carrying out the renovation of our secretariat to give it a proper facelift” the Governor stated.
Earlier, state Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Comrade Jerry Nnubia, commended the Governor for his quality and visionary leadership, especially in providing security, which had attracted various investors for economic growth.
He regretted the high rate of unemployment especially among the youths, accounting for high rate of crime and other vices.
“This trend should not be allowed to continue otherwise it will spell doom economically, socially and politically in the country.
“For government to overcome the unemployment crises there is need for more auto centric and pro growth policies geared towards attracting and improving private sector investment,” Comrade Nnubia stressed.
He called on National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission to urgently issue the implementation table to enable the governor make good his promises of implement the new minimum wage for the workers.
On his part, Chairman, Trade Union Congress, (TUC), Comrade Ifeanyi Okechukwu, also expressed his gratitude to Governor Obiano for placing premium the welfare of workers.
He urged him to sustain prompt payment of workers salary and promotion and further create windows of opportunities that would promote excellent service delivery.
Highlights were march past by workers and presentation of an award of recognition to the Governor by the Anambra State Head of Service, Barrister Harry Uduh on behalf of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, in honour of his workers friendliness in the state.
The event with the theme, “Another 100 years of struggle for Jobs, Dignity and Social Justice in Nigeria” witnessed the presence of workers and various government functionaries.