Kogi Workers Praise Governor Ododo’s Welfare Policies at Deputy Gov’s Interfaith Iftar
Labour leaders and government officials in Kogi State have commended the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritizing workers’ welfare and promoting unity across the state.
They made the remarks during an interfaith breaking of fast (Iftar) hosted by the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Comrade Joel Salifu at his official residence in Lokoja on Sunday.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka, said the gathering reflected the people-centered approach of the Ododo administration. He noted that even before becoming Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, as a labour leader, had always supported and cared for people around him.
According to him, the presence of different union leaders at the event shows that the government truly believes in the people of Kogi State.
Comrade Edoka said labour unions have strong confidence in the present administration because the government has given workers a voice and continues to prioritize their welfare. He particularly praised the prompt payment of salaries, noting that workers received their March salaries on the 13th of the month, which he described as unprecedented.
He also thanked the government for paying leave bonuses and clearing long-standing arrears owed to workers, stressing that workers across the state are proud of the Ododo administration.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the State Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Tijani Sule Ahmed, thanked Governor Ododo for caring for workers and the people of the state. He also appreciated the Deputy Governor for hosting the interfaith breaking of fast, recalling a similar event he organized in 2025.
He prayed for God to continue to strengthen and bless the Governor and his Deputy to do even more for the people.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Gabriel Amari said Kogi State now enjoys one of the best relationships between government and labour unions in the country. He noted that the state once had a poor image due to strained relations between labour and government, but the situation has changed because both the Governor and the Deputy Governor are former workers.
He advocated for more workers and union leaders to emerge in leadership positions, saying they understand the challenges facing workers better.
The NLC Chairman also praised the cordial relationship between the Governor and his Deputy. He assured the government of labour’s support ahead of the 2027 governorship election, saying no one would want to abandon any good thing they currently enjoy.
The Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, listed several achievements of the administration in the education sector. He noted that the government has made both primary and secondary education free across the state.
He also revealed that the government now pays for WAEC and JAMB for graduating students and has distributed Mathematics and English textbooks to pupils and students in public schools across the state.
According to him, the government is investing heavily in education because it is a powerful tool to reduce poverty and fight crime.
Also speaking, Hon. Sunday Daku, member representing Bassa State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, said the 8th Assembly is completely dominated by members of the APC due to the good works of the Governor.
In his address, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, said both he and Governor Ododo share a background in the labour movement.
“My boss was also a labour leader. If both of us who served as labour leaders cannot serve the state aright, then posterity will not be kind to us,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to former Governor Yahaya Bello for identifying Governor Ododo as a capable leader to serve the state.
The Deputy Governor explained that the Iftar gathering was organized, even with short notice, to know the yearnings and as well, the support of workers for the current administration.
“To my greatest surprise, workers came out in large numbers,” he said.
He praised his principal, Governor Ododo, for the developmental projects across the three senatorial districts of the state and assured that the administration remains committed to serving the people.
Comrade Joel, also stressed the importance of loyalty and discipline, noting that disobeying his principal would mean failing the values instilled in him by the labour movement.
He thanked all those who attended the event, and said their presence was because of the respect, joy and unity they share with one another, and the current administration.
The Deputy Governor urged the leaders to continue to support the government in its efforts to build a more united and prosperous Kogi State.
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