Gov David Umahi of Ebonyi said that the administration remains committed to workers welfare in the state.
Umahi disclosed this to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ebonyi Chapter on Friday in Abakaliki.
Umahi who was represented by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Samuel Okoronkwo assured the union that attention would be given to new minimum wage in the state at an appropriate time.
The governor, while commending the group on remarks and awards given, added that NULGE had made the most outstanding achievements and urged it to remain steadfast.
“Workers welfare is major priority of the government. We are happy that NULGE has keyed in and done so well in agricultural policy of the administration by participating.
“I appreciate leaders of the union for its absolute sense of patriotism and diplomacy.
“You peruse goals and aspiration of members with maximum diplomacy and results, I appreciate,” Umahi said.
The State Chairman of the union, Comrade Leonard Nkah said that NULGE at 40 was a celebration of collective struggles, solidarity and successes recorded by the grassroots force and other forms of civil engagements.
Nkah said that the state chapter came into being since creation of the state in 1996 with success recorded from pioneer chairmen.
“Today, we are celebrating the greatest force of the country and the grassroots people who indeed are the bedrock of NULGE.
“We count our achievements in E-payment, industrial peace and harmony, NULGE house, progressive growth administrative and political relevance of officers at branches among other achievements.
“We use the celebration also to recognize those whose efforts have impacted positively in the rural areas,” Nkah said.
The Former NULGE National Chairman, Mr Kingsley Ogba while appreciating the achievements of the present administration, pleaded the state government to accept the payment of the new minimum wage.
“The state has no rival in terms of speedy development in the south – east. The local government workers appreciate you and pray for continuous good governance.
“On behalf of the union, I plead to the governor to graciously accept the payment so that we will be accommodated,” Ogba said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured presentation of award of excellence and Champion of Rural Development in Nigeria to Umahi.
Also award of excellence was given to the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters as Defender of the Union among other recipients.
