Workers Day: Gov Kefas Salutes Workers

 

Taraba state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas has commended workers in the state for their resilience and commitment to duty. The governor said the work of ordinary Nigerians in various capacities has been the main driver of the nation's economy. 

 

The governor who spoke through the Special Adviser Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, said this year's workers day is crucial due to the challenges workers are grappling with especially in the areas of their welfare.

 

He noted that the Taraba State government is not unawares of the issues labour unions are advocating for in the state. He stressed that government has prioritized workers satisfaction in the Moving Forward agenda. He urged workers to recommit to professionalism and the excellence the civil service is famous for through out its history. 

 

On the need for a conducive working environment, Dr Kefas said the state secretariat was one of the first edifices he visited after he was sworn in as governor. He recalled the pain and anger he felt when he saw the dilapidated secretariat. He said massive renovation work has since begun in the structure. He noted that a worker can not function outside a befitting work environment. 

 

On salaries, the governor said he has practically declared a state of emergency in the sector, noting that he has given clear directives that payment must be prompt. Quoting biblical passages, the governor said a worker is worthy of his or her wages.

 

Meanwhile, Dr Kefas said after years of neglect, he was glad to have directed the restoration of gratuity payments. He stressed the need to pay workers their entitlements after years of dedicated services. Already, the gratuity payments have commenced in earnest.

 

Dr Kefas also commended the state Civil service and noted that major plans have been worked out for more workers training and refresher courses across board. He said government, as a matter of policy, will ensure that promotions and other incentives continue to be upheld in the service. 

 

He noted further that he is committed to the implementation of the findings of the Obadiah Ando committee that was recently set up to fine tune the activities of ministries, department and agencies.