I understand the challenges you face and I know where the shoes pinches, Ododo tells workers

Ahmed Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi State, has said that he understood the challenges workers go through and he knew where the shoe pinches, as Kogi State workers joined their counterparts all over the world to celebrate Workers’ Day Friday.

Represented by Joel Oyibo Salifu, his deputy, Ododo said that he joined them with a deep sense of pride and responsibility as they celebrated Workers’ Day, a day set aside to honour their sacrifices, resilience and unwavering commitment to the growth and stability of Kogi State, adding that Workers’ Day is a moment of reflection and renewed dedication to the ideas of hard work, patriotism and unity.

“Let me say this clearly: I am one of you. I understand the challenges you face, and I know where the shoe pinches. I stand before you not just as your governor, but as your chief servant, committed to leading from the front as we work together to build a productive, prosperous, and people-focused Kogi State.

“When we sparked the reforms in the civil service, we did so deliberately and with a clear vision. We set out to build a labour force that is competent, efficient, and ready for the Kogi of our dreams; a workforce that can deliver quality service, embrace innovation, and compete with the best across the nation,” he said.

According to the governor, “Our administration has remained consistent in prioritising the welfare of workers because we understand that a motivated workforce is the backbone of development. This is why we have sustained the prompt and regular payment of salaries and pensions, ensured timely promotions, supported retirees through the payment of gratuities, and maintained industrial harmony through continuous engagement with organised labour, while also investing in capacity building to equip our workforce for a modern and productive public service.

“At the national level, I commend the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose bold steps have gone beyond wage increases to include reforms that make it possible to sustainably cater for the wages and welfare of workers. These reforms have provided the foundation upon which states like ours can build stronger and more responsive systems for the benefit of our workforce. The administration of Mr. President has been impactful for workers, and I urge all of us to support ongoing efforts aimed at building a more united and prosperous Nigeria.”

The governor added that “In Kogi State, we have aligned with this vision by focusing not only on meeting obligations, but also on building structures that guarantee sustainability, accountability, and long-term growth, ensuring that our civil service becomes a model of excellence and productivity.”