Ododo: Kogi committed to implementing policies on workers’ rights

Usman Ododo, Kogi state governor, says his administration is committed to implementing policies that uphold the rights of workers.

The governor spoke on Wednesday in his address at the Workers’ Day rally which held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja, the state capital.

Ododo commended workers for their dedication and resilience, and assured that the state government will continue to evolve ways to improve their welfare.

“Your commitment to excellence, even in the face of challenges, inspires us all as we continue to explore ways to improve the welfare of our workers beyond the minimum expectation of the average worker in Kogi state,” he said.

“As an administration, we recognise the importance of fair wages, safe working conditions, and social security for every worker.

“Therefore, we are committed to implementing policies that promote the rights of workers and ensure dignity in the workplace.”

Ododo said his administration has commenced full payment of the contributory health insurance scheme for all workers under the formal sector coverage.

He said the state is also planning to extend the health insurance scheme to workers at the local government level.

“With most of our workers in the state now enrolled under the Kogi state health insurance scheme, we shall soon extend coverage under the health insurance scheme to the local government level,” he said.

“The state free education policy remains on course and payment of senior secondary school examination fees has been fully offset by the government.

“Our new template for payment of bursary to students in higher institutions has been adjudged to be a step higher in transparency and accountability.

“Our quarterly palliatives have since commenced and we shall not renege on this accord until the economic indices improve.

“We have embarked on an aggressive agricultural reform programme that will identify and support genuine farmers with subsidy, secure our farmlands and communities, guarantee food security.

“There is increase in the number of boots on the ground across communities, and logistical enhancement are in place to step up efforts to make Kogi state completely unsafe for criminals.”