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RSG Pays N2bn Monthly To Clear Pension, Gratuity Backlog …Promises To Implement New Minimum Wage
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that the Rivers State Government now pays N2billion monthly to offset the backlog of pension and gratuity to retired civil servants.
Speaking 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’, at the Alfred Diete Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt yesterday, Governor Fubara explained that, he decided to increase the payment from one billion monthly to two billion Naira to clear the backlog as well as ensure effective implementation of payment of gratuities and pensions to retired civil servants.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Governor Fubara further disclosed that Rivers State will be amongst the first states to adopt Federal Government approved new minimum wage immediately it is implemented.
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.
“We recognise 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.
The Governor acknowledged that because growing and developing the state is an important task that must be accomplished, his administration has reintroduced the training of resident doctors and recruitment of new medical doctors, recruitment of tutorial and non-tutorial staff for Universal Basic Education nd Ignatius Ajuru University of Education; approved the certification of ICT staff in various digital certifications, instituted the state health insurance scheme, appointed new permanent secretaries with new vehicle to enhance performance and promised that his administration will do all within its means to ensure the improved lives of civil servants.
“In realizing this, I want you to note that to whom much is given, much is expected. I therefore charge you to live up to your call to duty.
“I enjoin you to embrace the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance your productivity and improve the overall efficiency of the State Civil Service,” he stressed.
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.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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