Kogi State Government says it is commit ed to defraying the gratuity and pension arrears of Civil Servants as soon as its financial resources gets better.
The State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, gave the assurance at the send off ceremony held in honor of former Head of Service, Isah Ichaba and some Permanent Secretaries who retired from the service.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, said the backlog of workers Pension and gratuity arrears who have served the State meritoriously remains paramount to the present administration, lamented the scarce resources available and the heavy wage bill the State have to bear with.
The Governor described those being send off as people retiring into active service, said their contribution to their fatherland would not go in vain.
Capt. Wada promised to look into the request to provide opportunity for more service to the State to those who have retired and still considered fit, to serve in other political office, urged the retirees to avail the state with their wisdom and knowledge in the attainment of the transformation agenda of the present administration.
Earlier in his speech, the Kogi State Head of Service, Dr. Moses Atakpa, said the send-off was aimed at uniting the old and the past in the State Civil Service.
Dr. Atakpa commended the concern the present administration places on the Civil Service, called for political appointment for officers who have served and retired diligently.
The Head of Service described the service as presently in its best form to complement service delivery in the present administration, wished those going into retirement good health and a rewarding retirement life.
In his welcome address, T.O. Aliyu, Permanent Secretary Training and Establishment, said the essence of the send-off was to appreciate top Civil Servants who served selflessly and diligently in achieving the transformation agenda of the Capt. Idris Wada’s administration.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Peter Kirin (MNI), said the occasion would remain indelible in their minds, praised the present Civil Service in the State as one that is now better positioned to deliver service in achieving the transformation agenda.
