Benin City- Governor Monday Okpebholo has commended workers in Edo State for their resilience and contributions to development, while outlining key labour-focused achievements of his administration and pledging sustained commitment to workers’ welfare.

Speaking at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Benin City on Friday, the governor described the relationship between organised labour and the state government as a productive partnership anchored on mutual respect and constructive engagement.

Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Okpebholo lauded workers across sectors for their role in driving the state’s progress.

“I am delighted to join the hardworking men and women of Edo State on this special occasion of Workers’ Day 2026. From teachers and healthcare workers to civil servants, artisans, traders and security personnel, you remain the backbone of Edo’s development,” he said.

The governor reiterated that workers’ welfare has remained a central priority of his administration, citing the prompt payment of salaries and the continued implementation of the 13th-month salary.

He disclosed that the state government had approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000, describing the move as a demonstration of its commitment to fair and dignified compensation.

On outstanding obligations, Okpebholo announced the release of an initial ₦1 billion for the settlement of salary arrears owed to Ambrose Alli University staff, alongside another ₦1 billion tranche for the payment of gratuities to retired local government pensioners.

“Those who have served the state diligently must not be neglected,” he stated.

Highlighting ongoing infrastructure development, the governor said Edo has effectively become a construction hub, with multiple road and infrastructure projects ongoing across the three senatorial districts to enhance mobility and economic activities.

He also disclosed that over 10,000 jobs have been created under his administration, including the recruitment of 5,000 teachers, 1,300 healthcare workers and 2,500 local vigilantes.

Okpebholo further noted that the Local Government Training Institute in Akpako-Edo has been upgraded, with enrolment increasing significantly from about 30 to over 400 workers undergoing professional training.

In a bid to boost grassroots economic development, the governor announced a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme targeting traders, artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs.

On security, he reported a significant reduction in cult-related violence, stating that annual fatalities had dropped from over 300 to near zero, following intensified interventions and improved support for security agencies.

“Security remains the foundation of productivity. We have strengthened our support for security agencies with vehicles, motorcycles and other operational resources,” he said.

The governor attributed some of the state’s progress to the broader economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging continued support for the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Addressing concerns over the contributory pension scheme, he disclosed that a high-powered committee had been constituted to review the policy and make recommendations.

Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to results-driven governance.

“This administration will continue to prioritise impact over promises as we work with labour in good faith to build a safer and more prosperous Edo State,” he added.

— Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor