Written By Izuchukwu Adichie

For his “labour friendly policies, prompt payment of salaries, as well as commitment to human capital development in Anambra state, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra state was at an event organized by the Office of the Secretary General of the Federation, in 2018 honoured him with a Presidential award as the “Best Governor on Workers’ Welfare”

In an era poised with challenges of non-payment of salaries and wages of workers, and when states and labour unions are usually faced with constant disagreements, Anambra State government under Governor Obiano has continued to show exemplary leadership by keeping a sustainable relationship with labour unions in the state, this was because his administration prioritized significant relationship between welfare scheme and motivation of workers.

Nicknamed the “ALERT GOVERNOR” because of his welfare policy that all workers must be paid on or before 25th of every month, this government takes note of the fact that for Anambra to compete among other states of the Federation, the performance of workers must be the determining factor.

The fact remains that, performance of workers is important, not only for sustainable growth of the state, but also for the consolidated growth of individuals.

Since output of workers which determines the rate of effectiveness, efficiency and service delivery goals are dependent on motivation, the State government under Akpokuedike has ensured that a good welfare scheme should include prompt payment of salaries, access to health care services, affordable medical services, health insurance, payment of national minimum wage, promotion of workers, access to credit facilities, access to agricultural facilities and seedlings, and payment of retirement packages.

In recent time, seven (7) Anambra State workers were honoured by the federal government with a Presidential Award , on ledership and productivity. Their recognition and commendation by the federal government was evidential that Obiano keyed into the vision of United Nations at the early stages of his administration, hence, his administration’s recognition of the vital role of motivating workers, improved and increased workers salaries by 15%.

This administration also approved a policy of ensuring salaries are paid on or before 25th of every month and most importantly, that leave allowances are paid alongside December salaries. Every Christmas, state workers are given bags of Anambra rice each.

The Alert Governor’s administration didn’t only pay off the 25- years arrears of pensions and gratuities owed to retired workers of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), and Anambra Newspaper and Printing Corporation, he also re-enlisted staff of Anambra Newspaper and Printing Corporation into the state pension scheme.

So far, the state has fared well in promotion of workers in line with civil service rules. Teachers in Anambra School of Special Needs are not only treated with higher salary structure, they also receive incentives. Also, teachers handling core subjects and those in riverine areas receive higher salaries.

This administration has equally provided over ten (10) big buses for commuting of workers at cheaper rates across the state.

Akpokuedike didn’t only institute laws for the protection of the disabled, he has employed several persons with disabilities into the state civil service and became the first Anambra Governor to promote civil servants with disabilities who had been stagnated for so long.

Celebrating Governor Obiano’s seven years in office, his proven transparency in management of the state’s resources has ensured that the welfare of workers remains the priority of his administration.

In these giant strides and milestones recorded under Governor Obiano’s administration lies the #ObianoInUs, glaring and worthy of commendation. This is one of the various testimonies that the State has fared well so far; if His Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano chooses to slow down; but will He slow down? The answer is NO! The reward for a good job done is more work and, like I posited earlier, I have no doubt that His Excellency, will continue to set new records, break them, raise the bar, set new records and break them again. Since the inception of his administration, he has continuously and without needless dramatic displays delivered his campaign promises in all sectors of state.

Chief (Dr.) Willie M. Obiano will complete his second and final term as Anambra State Governor and hand over to a new Governor on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) by the first quarter of 2022.

No related posts.