Tag: Ebonyi workers

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has announced that all civil servants in the state will receive a N150,000 Christmas bonus for 2024. 

The announcement was made during a state banquet held in honor of the visiting British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, at the Government House in Abakaliki.

Governor Nwifuru expressed that the bonus is a token of appreciation for the workers’ dedication and their patience during the recent strike action.

“Our Workers have shown a lot of commitments and respect to us as a government. During the strike they heeded our appeal because  they understood the situation of things and we were most grateful and ready to always dialogue on how to improve their welfare.”

A statement from the governor’s chief press secretary, Monday Uxor quoted the governor as directing that every Worker should receive the bonus before close of work on Tuesday next week 

The governor had earlier received the British Deputy High Commissioner in his office at Ochoudo Centenary City, Abakaliki.

He solicited the assistance of the British Government in the areas of Water, Health, power and education as well as Agriculture. 

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“We are committed to industrializing the state, with progress in Ebonyi Pipe Production Company, Ebonyi State Fertilizers and Chemicals Company, Industrial Clusters, and Ebonyi State Hatchery, Nkaliki. We cultivate rice in large quantities and seek your collaboration to enhance production for exportation.”

“Water and sanitation is another area we have made significant progress in our quest to increase provision and access to quality water supply in the rural and urban areas. 

“We have revived the Oferekpe water scheme with the capacity to produce 100 million cubic litres of water on a daily basis.”

Governor Nwifuru commended the UK Foreign Office and other development partners for their active support and commitment to Nigeria’s State development.

The Deputy High Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the development going on in the state and pledged to assist considering the long standing ties between the UK and Nigeria.

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru says his administration is committed to the implementation of the new minimum wage of N70,000.

He also restated his commitment to adhere strictly to the Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy for local government councils.

He was speaking at the Grand finale of the 2024 edition of Izzi Nnodo New Yam Festival (Ojiji) at Amagu the ancestral home of Izzi Nnodo.

The governor, according to a statement by his media aide, Monday Uzor, said he has directed the Head of Service to come up with what it will take to implement the new minimum wage.

The governor commended the people of the Izzi clan for holding tenaciously to their culture

He observed the rich cultures of Izzi have distinguished them from others and called for its sustenance.

“Today is the great OJIJI Day, a new yam festival celebration that offers deep insight into the context of the distinguished identity, rich heritage and cultural nuances of my Izzi people”.

He emphasised the importance of the event, saying, “This special occasion is a testament to our rich cultural heritage and our people’s unwavering commitment to our age-long traditions.”

He used the occasion to task contractors to ensure the timely completion of projects, warning that there will be no sacred cow when contractors renege on project agreements.

“I have directed the Commissioner for Housing to go after those that have not completed their projects in Izzo and Amaeze autonomous communities.

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“It is annoying that as a government we will award contracts, only for contractors to be found wanting. We will not tolerate this. We have given a grace of 60 days to complete all awarded projects. We have road projects spread across the 13 Council Areas.

“I directed SSAs and SAs to go round and monitor ongoing projects in their respective zones. Sadly, we are getting reports of some contractors not reporting to sites. This is totally unacceptable. Upon the expiration of this grace, we will go after them”, he said.

The governor frowned at the indiscriminate sale of lands in the Ancestral Communities of Amagu and Ebiya by some youths, describing it as sacrilege and challenging Elders and Traditional Rulers to checkmate it.

Earlier, Elias Mbam, chairman of the event commended Governor Nwifuru for embarking on projects that have positive impacts on the people.

He said: “If you look at this government, you all agree with me this government is doing well in line with its manifestos.

“I want all contractors, all appointees of the Governor of Izzi extraction should shun nepotism. They should stop seeing the Governor as your brother. Such mindsets are harmful, please desist.

“We will resist every attempt to sabotage this government. We must support this government because it is our government.”

The event was attended by prominent sons and daughters of IzzI.