Rivers State Governor, Governor Fubara, has made two announcements regarding the state’s commitment to its civil servants.
Firstly, the Governor revealed that the State will be among the first to adopt the Federal Government’s approved new minimum wage as soon as it takes effect.
Secondly, Governor Fubara disclosed that the state government has increased its monthly payment to offset the backlog of pension and gratuity to retired civil servants from ₦1 billion to ₦2 billion.
This decision, Fubara said, aims to clear the backlog and ensure effective implementation of payment of gratuities and pensions.
The Governor made these announcements during the 2024 Rivers State Civil Service Week, themed “Building Resilient Education for Increased Access to inclusive Lifelong Quality and Relevant Learning in the Rivers State Civil Service”, held at the Alfred Diete Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt.
He was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo.
The Governor highlighted his administration’s efforts to enhance the lives of civil servants, including: Reintroducing training for resident doctors and recruiting new medical staff; Recruiting tutorial and non-tutorial staff for Universal Basic Education and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education; Approving digital certifications for ICT staff; Instituting the state health insurance scheme and Appointing new permanent secretaries with new vehicles to enhance performance.
Governor Fubara pledged that his administration will do everything possible to improve the lives of civil servants.
According to him, “As soon as the implementation modalities for the new minimum wage are released by the Federal Government, I re-assure you that Rivers State will be one of the first states in the country to implement it.”
He added: “We recognize that the civil service is the institutional memory of government. No government can stand without its support you are the health professionals that care for our health, the teacher that train our children, judicial officers who ensure that there is justice, virtually every spectrum of life and governance, you are the people”, he said.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo congratulated the civil servants on their week as he called on all to remain committed to building a resilient and inclusive civil service that places education and continuous learning at its fore.
The Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke thanked Governor Fubara for his continuous devotion to ensure an improved and efficient civil service.
“I commend His Excellency, Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for his unwavering support and visionary leadership in promoting the growth and strengthening of our civil service. His dedication to enhancing our capabilities and resources is a testament to his great love for our state and its people.
“The theme of this year’s celebration, Building Resilient Education for Increased Access to Inclusive Lifelong Quality and Relevant Learning in the Rivers State Civil Service, is not only apt but also timely. It underscores our dedication to fostering a civil service that supports continuous growth and adaptation in an ever-evolving world,” he stated.
Prof. Godwin Okon delivered the keynote address on the theme for the Rivers State Civil Service Week.
The celebration also had in attendance former Chairman, Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Chief Oris Onyiri as Chairman of the Occasion; members of the State Executive Council, special advisers, permanent secretaries, among others.