By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh, Lokoja
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting both serving and retired civil servants in the state.
The Governor made this pledge today during a courtesy visit by the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Lokoja.
According to Governor Ododo, “I am one of the luckiest persons on earth. I want to thank all of you for your service to our state and the nation as a whole. I want to beg all of us as our fathers and mothers, please don’t turn your back on us Don’t turn yourself against the system that you went through for the period of 35 years.”
The Governor acknowledged the challenges faced by the retired civil servants, including the payment of gratuity and severance allowance. He assured the association that his administration would work towards addressing these issues.
The Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Okeme Jibrail Abdullahi, had approached the Governor with six critical requests, including the settlement of outstanding gratuity, payment of severance allowance, issue of harmonization, acquisition of land and construction of a secretariat complex, provision of a vehicle/bus for ease of operations, and payment of arrears of pension for some members.
Specifically, the Association requested the settlement of outstanding gratuity and severance allowance.
In response, Governor Ododo requested the Association to draw up a plan for the construction of a secretariat complex. He also assured the Association that his administration would work towards addressing the issues of gratuity and severance allowance.
The Governor’s commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants was acknowledged by the Association, which praised his administration for regular and timely payment of salaries and pensions. The Association’s Chairman, Alhaji Okeme Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to the Governor, saying, “There is no doubt, your visionary and missionary government has brought succor to the good people of Kogi state. We can feel and see your giant strides toward the consolidation and increasing improvements on the achievements of your predecessor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.”
The Governor’s gesture has brought hope to the retired civil servants, who are eager to see the implementation of his promises. As Governor Ododo noted, “This is the Government of Civil servants, I am a civil servant, and the Deputy Governor is a civil servant. We will serve you.”
In a special remark, Governor Ododo expressed his profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his unwavering support to Kogi State and the entire nation. He noted that the President’s support has been instrumental in the progress recorded in the state, saying, “Today Mr. President is helping us to receive improved revenue that is enabling us to execute good governance.” The Governor further added that President Tinubu does not need to come to Kogi State for electioneering because the state will reward him with an awesome result in the 2027 poll. He also thanked his predecessor, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, for considering him worthy to serve the people of Kogi State as their Governor.
He urged kogites to shun unhealthy political criticism and embark on agenda of harnessing our natural resources for the good of the state.
The Governor’s gesture has brought hope to the retired civil servants, who are eager to see the implementation of his promises.