By Rhoda Godwin
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers, describing them as the driving force behind effective governance.
Speaking at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki on Thursday, the governor said his government would continue to prioritize policies that enhance the wellbeing of civil servants and retirees across the state.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, Governor Nwifuru said the administration remains mindful of the prevailing economic realities and has taken deliberate steps to cushion their effects on workers.
He highlighted the upward review of the state minimum wage to N95,000 as part of efforts to improve workers’ living standards and boost morale within the public service.
The governor also listed other achievements of his administration in the labour sector, including the payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to retirees from the creation of the state in 1996, continued disbursement of the N150,000 annual Christmas bonus to workers, and the implementation of extensive training and retraining programmes for civil servants both within and outside the country.
He further noted that workers in the state have been enrolled in the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme to ensure access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
According to him, the productivity of any government is closely linked to the motivation of its workforce, stressing that his administration has moved beyond promises by taking practical steps to guarantee the welfare and dignity of workers and pensioners.
Governor Nwifuru urged labour unions in the state to sustain constructive engagement with government and embrace dialogue as the most effective means of resolving issues affecting workers and the state at large.
The event, jointly organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, attracted top government officials, labour leaders and stakeholders from across the state.
Among dignitaries present were Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa; Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Onah Chinedu Ogba; Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Justice Elvis Ngene; President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Patrick Uhuo; and member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah.
Others included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezurike; Head of Service, Dr. Ritamary Okoro; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu; members of the State Executive Council, and labour veterans.
The celebration featured colourful displays of solidarity by workers and culminated in the presentation of awards to individuals recognised for their outstanding contributions to the state and the labour movement.
