(News Analysis).
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
The Kogi State Government, under the leadership of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo, has once again demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of civil servants by paying December 2024 salaries on 14 of the month,ahead of schedule.
This early payment, the second of its kind since the birth of the current administration in the state, January 2023,comes as workers prepare for the Christmas and the New year celebrations,a development they describe as showcasing the Governor’s consistent worker-friendly policies.
Governor Ododo has made it a tradition to prioritize the needs of civil servants.Notably, in July 2024, he also paid salaries on the 14th ahead of the Eid El Kabir celebrations—a record-breaking gesture in the state and in consonance with his electoral promise to Kogi workers.
The Kogi State Government says the early payment of December salaries on December 14, 2024 was to enable civil servants plan and enjoy their Christmas and New Year holidays after their hard work throughout the year.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, stated that Governor Usman Ododo approved this timely payment to allow civil servants planning to travel for the holidays to do so without financial constraints.
Speaking with journalists on Saturday, Fanwo noted that a similar gesture was made during the Sallah festivities to support civil servants in celebrating with their families.
“The Kogi State Government has paid December salaries today to ensure civil servants can prepare for the holidays early and enjoy the festive season without stress.
“Our civil servants have been instrumental to the success of our developmental policies and projects. This early payment reflects our commitment to making their yuletide a joyous one.
“The aim is to ensure they meet their essential needs in good time for the celebrations,” Fanwo said.
He added that Governor Ododo remains committed to prioritizing the welfare of civil servants as a reward for their dedication and hard work.
It is worth noting that the Kogi State Government was the first to implement the new N70,000 minimum wage for its workers, along with an additional N2,500 and a one-year tax free on their monthly salaries.
No doubt Governor Ododo’s action reflects his understanding of the importance of timely salaries, especially during festive seasons, to enable workers make early purchases and plan better.
Elated state workers, in their reaction to the development, described Ododo’s action as a consistent show of goodwill and a clear testament to his administration’s commitment to improving the lives and the general populace in the state at large.
It is, therefore, imperative for civil servants to reciprocate by demonstrating dedication, productivity, and loyalty to the administration.
By fostering a culture of hard work and cooperation, workers can complement the Governor’s efforts in building a progressive and prosperous Kogi State.
Governor Ododo’s worker-friendly approach should inspire all civil servants to give their best in service to the state, ensuring that the mutual respect between the government and its workforce continues to flourish.
While the news is indeed cheering, it also serves as a reminder for workers to be prudent in their spending, given the financial challenges that often accompany January in the Nigerian context.
Ahmed publishes The Reporters.
