ANAMBRA State Government has declared November 17, 2017, as Work Free Day for civil servants in the state.

This is to facilitate a day for travel by civil servants to their various polling units to exercise their electoral franchise.

Declaring the holiday at Udoji Secretariat, Awka, to mark the 2017 African Public Service Day Celebration, Gov. Willie Obiano described civil servants as strategic in achieving fundamental developments.

Gov. Obiano said he would not relent in providing their basic needs and promoting welfare of workers in the state.

“I have directed that workers in Anambra state will start receiving their Leave Allowances from Nov. 15 this month.

“I will sustain distribution of bags of rice in every December, as well as other benefits.

“I have made provision for salary increase in the 2018 budget. I will keep promoting workers every year and create many windows to lubricate their working conditions.

“The Federal Mortgage Bank has allocated N500 million to the contractor handing the Civil Service Housing scheme, to expedite work on the project.

“This is to provide respite to workers who need accommodation,’’ the governor explained.

He, however, urged them to ignore rumours going round that his administration compelled civil servants to key into the contributory pension scheme, saying, “it is a personal decision and not compulsory’’.

Obiano noted that his administration had set up committee to review the scheme and properly advice Government.

The Head of Service, Mr Harry Uduh observed that Obiano administration had demonstrated excellence in governance and lived up to his Constitutional responsibility.

According to him Gov. Obiano has sustained prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers.

He has recruited the physically into various positions, to ensure total inclusiveness.

“He introduced Creche, for nursing mothers. He facilitated the re-absorption of no fewer than 135 displaced staff of ABS.

He also offset over 30 years accumulated pension and gratuities of National Light Newspaper and ABS staff owed by previous administration,’’ Udu pointed out.

Udu assured that no fewer than 45,000 workers would strongly support the return of Obiano administration to consolidate on the signature projects he commenced.

Godwin Ibekwe, the senior special assistant, SSA, on Labour Matters, re-called that Anambra in the past had experienced political violence, non payment of salaries.

Ibekwe commended Obiano for attracting meaningful projects that would create positive impact on the lives of the people.

There was the presentation of symbolic awards to diligent workers in the state civil service.

– Nov 8, 2017 @ 17:42 GMT |