The national leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has ranked Kogi first among states in the country in the implementation of the new national minimum wage.
Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka, made this known to newsmen in Lokoja on Thursday while receiving officials of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He said the cheering news came from the leadership of NLC in the state.
Comrade Edoka explained that the national executive council (NEC) of NLC which was held at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, arrived at the ranking having examined the indices which includes constitution of minimum wage committee, negotiations, agreement signed, amount agreed and its implementation effect.
According to him, the positive development followed Governor Usman Ododo’s commitment to workers welfare which he noted was second to none.
The Special Adviser appreciated the NUJ and its leadership for recognizing the Governor’s modest achievements within a short period in office, saying he will continue to partner with the media for the good of all.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the NUJ, Alhaji Ademu Seidu said the visit was to formally congratulate him on his appointment and to thank the government for its positive impact in the lives of workers and pensioners.
The NUJ Chairman assured that members will continue to display responsible journalism and portray the present administration in good light in line with its impressive performance.
Similarly, the Special Adviser also received the state officials of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria to show appreciation to government.
Kogi State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Amari who also is the chairman of the Union, said members of the organized labour in Kogi State will soon troop out in their numbers to show appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for improving their welfare.
The NLC boss said the attention of the Governor to workers’ welfare remains outstanding, explaining that it is now uhuru for the workforce.
According to the Medical and Health Workers Union Chairman, the various packages for workers and pensioners, including the recent minimum wage implementation have attracted encomiums both from working class and other segments of the society.
He appreciated the government and the Special Adviser for putting smiles on the faces of the people, maintaining that a golden fish has no hiding place.
“Let me say it loud and clear that any where you go now, the Governor’s goodness has become the talk of the day and the people of the state are now happy, go to West, East and Central, the story is the same,” he stated.
Comrade Amari congratulated the Special Adviser on the feat achieved within a relatively short time in office, adding that there was no better time than now to appreciate the Governor and the Special Adviser.
Responding, the Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka said he was elated by the kind words on the Governor whom he described as leader with milk of human kindness.
Comrade Edoka said as a product of Medical and Health, he will strife to remain a good ambassador of the Union which has made him what he is today.
The Special Adviser called on the leadership of the Union to sustain the standard already laid, emphasizing that there was no justification to fall below the standard.
He appreciated the Union for recognizing him and promised not to disappoint them, his community and the state at large.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of the portrait of the Special Adviser to him.
