The Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Federal Project Implementation, Chief Emmanuel Obasi, has hailed His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo, for being the first Governor in Nigeria to pay the new minimum wage approved for workers.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Chief Emmanuel Obasi, the Kogi State Government has begun the payment of October salaries with the implementation of the new minimum wage on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
Recall that Governor Ahmed Ododo on 7th October, sent workers of the State into frenzy when he approved N72,500 as the Minimum Wage for workers, effective immediately. The Governor also suspended the tax burden on the approved sum for six months.
The N72,500 wage is N2,500 higher than the Federal Government’s approved amount in July for workers in both private and public sectors.
Chief Emmanuel affirmed that Governor Ododo was the first among the 36 state Governors to approve and implement the New Minimum Wage, which exceeds the Federal Government’s approved amount.
He added that Governor Ododo’s approval of the payment of the New Minimum Wage applies to all categories of workers in the State.
The Special Adviser added that despite Kogi not being an oil-producing state, the governor’s approval of a minimum wage surpassing the Federal Government’s amount deserves commendation.
Part of the statement reads: “The significant thing about Governor Ododo’s people-oriented and worker-friendly administration is that the wage increase also benefits all pensioners in the State who receive less than N50,000 per month. He added a flat rate of N10,000 as well as Free Health Insurance package to all of them.”
“Since being sworn in as Governor, he has consistently paid monthly salaries in full and before the end of each month. In fact, in June 2024, workers’ salaries and pensions were paid on June 14 for the month of June to enable Muslim workers to celebrate the Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha.”
“Governor Ododo is doing well, and all Kogites are pleased with his administration and proud of him.” He is undoubtedly the First among equals. May God continue to bless and be with him as he govern the State and take it to greater heights in the spirit of the Advanced New Direction Administration for Consolidation and Continuity in the State.”
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