Abakaliki, Nigeria – Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has approved the sum of N150,000 for workers as 2024 Christmas Bonus.
Governor Nwifuru made the announcement on Friday at a State Banquet organised in honour of the visiting British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, to the Government House, Ochoudo Centenary City, Abakaliki.
According to a statement by Dr Monday Uzor, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nwifuru said the gesture is in appreciation of State Civil Service workers’ commitment to duty and their understanding during the strike action.
“Our Workers have shown a lot of commitment and respect to us as a government. During the strike action, they heeded our appeal because they understood the situation of things and we were most grateful and ready to always dialogue on how to improve their welfare,” the statement read in part.
The Governor also directed that every worker should receive the bonus before the close of work on Tuesday next week
Earlier, the Governor solicited the assistance of the British Government in the areas of water, health, power and education as well as Agriculture.
“We are committed to industrialising the state, with progress in Ebonyi Pipe Production Company, Ebonyi State Fertilisers and Chemicals Company, Industrial Clusters, and Ebonyi State Hatchery, Nkaliki. We cultivate rice in large quantities and seek your collaboration to enhance production for exportation.
“Water and sanitation is another area we have made significant progress in our quest to increase provision and access to quality water supply in the rural and urban areas. We have revived the Oferekpe water scheme with the capacity to produce 100 million cubic litres of water on a daily basis,” the Governor added.
Governor Nwifuru further commended the UK Foreign Office and other development partners for their active support and commitment to Nigeria’s State development.
On his part, Deputy High Commissioner Lever expressed satisfaction with the development going on in the state and pledged to assist, considering the long-standing ties between the UK and Nigeria.