By Thompson Yamput
Gov Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has approved the early payment of March salaries to the state’s civil servants on the 13th of the month, ahead of the forthcoming Sallah celebration.
Ododo, in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Ismaila Isah, said the decision reflects his commitment to the welfare of workers, particularly in view of the current economic realities facing many Nigerians.
He explained that the early payment was expected to enable workers across the state make adequate preparations for the festive period and meet financial obligations in good time.
He noted that while the payment of salaries is a statutory responsibility of government, he considers it necessary to ensure workers receive their pay earlier than usual during festive periods to ease financial pressure on families.
“The early salary payment is also intended to support workers to cope with rising cost of transportation and goods following the recent increase in fuel prices, while enabling those who may wish to travel for the Sallah celebration to do so with ease.
“I remain mindful of the importance of supporting workers during periods such as the ongoing Ramadan fast and the Christian Lenten season, when many families are making additional sacrifices.
“By God’s grace, I will continue to prioritize the welfare of civil servants as part of his administration’s commitment to responsible and inclusive governance in Kogi, ” he assured..
Nevertheless, such gestures have been rare in the history of the state, aside from the former military administrator of Kogi, late Col. Bzigu Lassa Afakirya, who took a similar step during his administration by approving early salary payments for workers.
Ododo had previously approved similar early salary payments during major religious celebrations since assuming office.
In 2024, workers in the state received their salaries on the 14th ahead of the festive season, following a similar trend for the sallah break, Eid-el-Kabir celebration, while another early payment was also approved ahead of the Easter celebration in the same year. (ephemeralnews.com.ng)
