May Day: Eno hails workers, clears N82bn gratuity debt
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has praised workers across the state for their dedication and contributions to the successful implementation of his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
Speaking during the May Day celebration, Eno, who was represented by his deputy, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi said the achievements recorded by his government were made possible through the commitment, resilience and cooperation of the state’s workforce.
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Etim Ekpimah
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has praised workers across the state for their dedication and contributions to the successful implementation of his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
Speaking during the May Day celebration, Eno, who was represented by his deputy, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi said the achievements recorded by his government were made possible through the commitment, resilience and cooperation of the state’s workforce.
He noted that workers had remained steadfast in supporting the government’s vision for sustainable development, describing them as critical partners in the progress recorded across key sectors.
“On behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I salute and celebrate all our workers for their immense contributions to the development of our dear state,” he said.
The governor particularly commended the outgoing chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Mr Sunny James, for fostering a cordial relationship between organised labour and government throughout his tenure.
He said that despite occasional disagreements, both parties consistently found common ground through dialogue rather than confrontation.
“We have enjoyed a strong and productive relationship with organised labour under your leadership. Even in moments of disagreement, we always chose constructive engagement over unnecessary conflict,” Eno said.
He expressed confidence that James would continue to serve the state diligently even after leaving office and announced that the government would formally honour him for his service.
Eno also welcomed the newly elected chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mr Kingsley Akpan, alongside the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Mr Kingsley Ekong.
He assured them of continued collaboration and announced that both labour leaders would receive official vehicles to support their duties.
“To make your work easier, I have directed that both of you be given cars today before we leave this venue,” he stated.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, Eno recalled that one of his major promises during the 2023 election campaign was to offset the backlog of gratuities and other entitlements owed to workers since 2012.
According to him, the government has so far paid over N82 billion out of the inherited N111 billion gratuity backlog within three years.
“Today, I boldly declare that we have paid more than N82 billion from the backlog we inherited. Receiving appreciation from retired civil servants who had lost hope gives me immense fulfilment,” he said.
The governor further disclosed that his administration had recruited 4,000 personnel into the state civil service within the past year, describing it as one of the largest recruitment drives in the state’s history.
He also approved the recruitment of 1,000 primary school teachers and additional junior staff to strengthen the workforce.
Eno added that beneficiaries of government housing units through raffle draws had successfully taken ownership of their homes, while promotion exercises for civil servants and secondary school teachers had been conducted promptly.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the timely payment of salaries and pensions, continuous manpower development, and specialised training programmes aimed at improving efficiency in the civil service. The governor assured workers that his government would remain focused on policies that prioritise their welfare while sustaining development across Akwa Ibom State.
