By Matthew Ajai-Kume
Governor Samuel Ortom has assured Benue workers of his administration’s commitment to their welfare, despite the challenges confronting the state.
“As Benue workers join their counterparts in other states of the federation to mark the 2021 Labour Day, I assure them of his administration’s commitment to their welfare, despite the numerous challenges facing the state,” Governor Ortom stated.
The governor Saturday, through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, said he acknowledges the contributions the workers have made to the development of the state over the years and urged them to sustain the commitment.
He equally appreciates retirees of the state for their understanding and assures them that he will continue to address the issues of pensions and gratuity as funds permit. This, according to him, the government has already demonstrated with the domestication of the Pensions Act which is set to make the issue of outstanding pensions a thing of the past.
“Though Benue and country at large have been experiencing difficult times, his administration has given priority to issues affecting the workers such as the regular payment of salaries since January 2018,” the statement maintained.
According to the statement, Governor Ortom stated that, his administration has also concluded arrangements with the Administrative Staff College Of Nigeria (ASCON), for the training of workers, while reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that water and electricity supply remain constant at the state secretariat as it is the case at the moment.
Governor Ortom restated the resolve of his administration to implement the State Health Insurance Scheme for the formal and non-formal sectors; a development he says will avail Benue people the opportunity to access health-care at highly subsidized costs.
In his words: “I solicit the cooperation of the workers and other Benue people with the State Government and security agencies to enable them guarantee the safety of lives and property and wishe every worker in the state a memorable day.”