Uzodimma raises wages for Imo workers
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has announced a new minimum wage of 40,000 naira for workers in the state to ease the pain caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy.< /p>
The governor also announced a N5 billion revolving loan for farmers, as well as free transport and medical care.
Uzodimma made the announcement during a special meeting with critical Imo stakeholders on Saturday in Owerri.
The governor said free transportation, food and medical care were for public servants.
He said other palliatives include the establishment of marketing and commodity boards, mass housing, and hiring more teachers.
Uzodimma said the government has also launched a scholarship scheme for IMO students, while retirees will be paid promptly.
“It is clear to me that our people are suffering, especially those on low incomes and those in gainful employment.
“I have therefore called this special meeting with the leaders of trade unions, traders, farmers and artisans, to announce the comprehensive palliative measures we are putting in place, which I am sure will alleviate this suffering. “, he noted.
He said he was convinced that the measures would stimulate the economy, create additional jobs and improve the wages of workers.
“Let me say, however, that although the impact of the fuel subsidy removal policy appears severe in the short term, it will bring positive results in the long term.
"There must be an immediate upward revision of the wages and salaries of state workers.
"The minimum wage is hereby increased to 40,000 naira with consequent discretionary adjustments.
“At least your salaries could not only allow you to return home, but also provide for your basic needs to enable you to make ends meet,” he said.
Uzodimma asked the Head of State Department to work out the terms of free daily meals for civil servants as well as free medical care at designated hospitals.
For farmers, he said the N5 billion revolving loan would be released immediately to boost production in the value chain.
"Farmers will also be encouraged to form cooperatives to facilitate organized farming."
On teacher recruitment, he said it would be for all public schools.
“There will be recruitment exercises for new primary, secondary and tertiary teachers to boost employment and income generation, especially among our graduates.
“The government has approved scholarships for students in tertiary institutions,” he added.
He said the government would train 100,000 young people in digital skills every year through the Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Government.
"So far, 5,000 of them have been successfully trained and equipped with appropriate kits and tools.
“Another group of 15,000 people are currently in training and they will graduate in a few weeks,” he added.
He assured pensioners that the government would find funds to start paying their gratuities from 2008/2009.
The Governor also assured stakeholders that efforts would be intensified to provide mass housing for the Imo people, including the completion of ongoing mass housing estates in Mgbidi, Anara and Nekede.
The Anglican Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri, Archbishop David Onuoha, has commended the Governor for taking the initiative to provide solutions to the suffering of the people.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Labor Congress, Dr. Philip Nwansi commended Uzodimma for his leadership qualities which he said had started yielding results in the South East.
>Nwansi urged the governor not to back down despite the challenges he may face.
NA
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Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has announced a new minimum wage of 40,000 naira for workers in the state to ease the pain caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy.< /p>
The governor also announced a N5 billion revolving loan for farmers, as well as free transport and medical care.
Uzodimma made the announcement during a special meeting with critical Imo stakeholders on Saturday in Owerri.
The governor said free transportation, food and medical care were for public servants.
He said other palliatives include the establishment of marketing and commodity boards, mass housing, and hiring more teachers.
Uzodimma said the government has also launched a scholarship scheme for IMO students, while retirees will be paid promptly.
“It is clear to me that our people are suffering, especially those on low incomes and those in gainful employment.
“I have therefore called this special meeting with the leaders of trade unions, traders, farmers and artisans, to announce the comprehensive palliative measures we are putting in place, which I am sure will alleviate this suffering. “, he noted.
He said he was convinced that the measures would stimulate the economy, create additional jobs and improve the wages of workers.
“Let me say, however, that although the impact of the fuel subsidy removal policy appears severe in the short term, it will bring positive results in the long term.
"There must be an immediate upward revision of the wages and salaries of state workers.
"The minimum wage is hereby increased to 40,000 naira with consequent discretionary adjustments.
“At least your salaries could not only allow you to return home, but also provide for your basic needs to enable you to make ends meet,” he said.
Uzodimma asked the Head of State Department to work out the terms of free daily meals for civil servants as well as free medical care at designated hospitals.
For farmers, he said the N5 billion revolving loan would be released immediately to boost production in the value chain.
"Farmers will also be encouraged to form cooperatives to facilitate organized farming."
On teacher recruitment, he said it would be for all public schools.
“There will be recruitment exercises for new primary, secondary and tertiary teachers to boost employment and income generation, especially among our graduates.
“The government has approved scholarships for students in tertiary institutions,” he added.
He said the government would train 100,000 young people in digital skills every year through the Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Government.
"So far, 5,000 of them have been successfully trained and equipped with appropriate kits and tools.
“Another group of 15,000 people are currently in training and they will graduate in a few weeks,” he added.
He assured pensioners that the government would find funds to start paying their gratuities from 2008/2009.
The Governor also assured stakeholders that efforts would be intensified to provide mass housing for the Imo people, including the completion of ongoing mass housing estates in Mgbidi, Anara and Nekede.
The Anglican Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri, Archbishop David Onuoha, has commended the Governor for taking the initiative to provide solutions to the suffering of the people.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Labor Congress, Dr. Philip Nwansi commended Uzodimma for his leadership qualities which he said had started yielding results in the South East.
>Nwansi urged the governor not to back down despite the challenges he may face.
NA
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