By Dada Ahmed, Lokoja.
The Kogi State Secretariat in Lokoja was awash with smiles, laughter, and spontaneous celebration on Monday as civil servants began receiving long-awaited leave bonus payments,a benefit they had not seen for 13 years.
Many of them made the disclosure of the development of The Reporters in a separate interview at the Secretariat.
They said it was not just about the money but about a renewed hope, dignity restored, and trust rekindled in a government that finally delivered on a lingering promise.
The bonus, paid under the leadership of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo, marked what workers described as “a new dawn in Kogi State’s civil service.”
“I had to check my phone twice,” said Mrs. Amina Ibrahim, a Principal Administrative Officer in one of the ministries, clutching her phone with disbelief and joy
“For years, we’ve only heard promises. But today, I received my leave bonus, something I’ve been yearning for since over a decade ago. This is purposeful leadership in action,”she added.
Our correspondent recalls that Governor Ododo had earlier pledged to clear outstanding leave bonuses as part of his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare in his speech at the 2025 Worker’s Day in Lokoja on May 1st.
On Monday, he made good on that promise, and the reaction was instant and overwhelming.
“I must confess, I didn’t believe it when I first heard the announcement.But now that I see the alert in my account, I feel alive again. I can pay my children’s school fees, settle some debts, and take care of my home. Governor Ododo has truly earned our respect,”
“May the almighty Allah continue to guard and guide him and his lieutenants,”Idris Mohammed said.
Some junior staff said the payment of leave bonus felt like a long-lost right finally returned as they joined their senior officers under a tree at the secretariat, chatting excitedly and making plans for their families.
“People don’t understand how painful it is to work every day knowing that your leave bonus hasn’t been paid in over 10 years.
“But we kept showing up, hoping that one day things would change. Today, that day came,thanks to Governor Ododo.”said Mr. Richard Emmanuel, a Level 06 staff.
According to other workers, the payment of the leave bonus is not just a financial relief but a moral booster that has restored their sense of value and commitment to service, adding that the restoration of such bonus has also rekindled their faith in the civil service system and the state government as well as the leadership of Governor Ododo.
“This is the kind of motivation we need. We feel seen and appreciated. It’s no longer just about surviving; it’s about living with dignity again,”said Mrs. Blessing Okpanachi.
Traders at Lokoja Central Market said they were also quick to feel the impact.of the positive development in terms of envisaged increase in their sales and profits.
“We the market women and men are happy about what happened to the workers in kogi state.
“We can say that something good has happened. Workers can now buy more food stuffs and other commodities. God bless Governor Ododo for this decision,” Hajia Asimau Aliyu prayed.
Other workers described the payment as a “rescue package,” coming at a time when economic hardship, exemplified by high inflation,has forced many of them into borrowing to meet basic needs.
“This bonus will help many workers and their dependents reset their lives,” said Mr. Ahmed Yusuf said.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka, lauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for surprising workers in the state through the payment of leave bonuses.
According to him, this move demonstrates the Governor’s unmatched commitment to the welfare of workers, setting a new standard in the history of Kogi State.
He described the payment as a clear indication of the Governor’s strategic approach to governance, particularly in industrial relations.
Edoka noted that the payment, which was not even part of the labour union’s immediate demands, underscores Ododo’s sincerity and proactive leadership in addressing workers’ needs.
He recalled that during the 2025 May Day celebration in Lokoja, the Governor had assured workers of his administration’s dedication to their welfare. “Today, we see yet another surprise. Even leave bonus.was not requested, the Governor paid it to cushion the effects of hardship. What a wonderful leader,” he said.
The Special Adviser further emphasized that Governor Ododo’s background as a former labour leader enables him to understand the challenges faced by workers.
He urged the workforce to reciprocate the Governor’s action by remaining loyal and increasing productivity, noting that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
Edoka also extended appreciation to the State Auditor General, the Chief of Staff, and other stakeholders who supported the implementation of the leave bonus.
The assured that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies would receive their entitlements as scheduled and urged workers to remain committed to the success of the present administration in the state.
