Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has approved an exit package of ₦10,000 for state workers, including local government workers, to mark the 2023 Workers Day celebration with the theme: “Workers’ Rights and Socio-economic Justice”. The Governor made the announcement yesterday in Abakaliki, and the exit package will be added to the workers’ May salaries.
Represented by his Deputy, Mr Kelechi Igwe, Governor Umahi highlighted his administration’s commitment to fostering government-worker friendliness and maintaining a cordial relationship with civil servants. He boasted of creating over 65,000 direct and indirect jobs during his eight years in office, as well as establishing four new federal institutions in the state, including the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, and Isu College of Education.
In response to the Governor’s announcement, Prof. Oguguo Egwu, the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, acknowledged the efforts of the government but emphasized the need for the state to engage more teachers, medical doctors, and nurses to enhance the quality of education and healthcare services in the state. “We commend the Governor’s effort so far in providing employment for the people of Ebonyi State,” he said. “However, we urge the government to engage more teachers, medical doctors, and nurses in the state to boost the quality of education and healthcare services.”
The Governor’s announcement of the exit package comes amidst a nationwide clamor by workers for an increase in the minimum wage. While some workers may view the package as insufficient, others see it as a positive step towards improving their welfare.
Overall, the Governor’s decision to approve the exit package demonstrates his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers in Ebonyi State. The call by the NLC for increased engagement of teachers, medical doctors, and nurses in the state highlights the need for the government to prioritize the improvement of education and healthcare services in the state.
