Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani unveiled a ₦500 million revolving loan scheme for civil servants on Wednesday, providing a financial lifeline to support their welfare and well-being.
Kaduna’s Murtala Mohammed Square was abuzz with celebration as Governor Uba Sani honored the 2023 May Day by presenting dummy cheques to a handful of workers, serving as a powerful symbol of his administration’s worker-centric approach.
Governor Sani’s launch of the N500m revolving loans scheme was a precursor to a comprehensive economic empowerment agenda for workers in Kaduna State, as he pledged to introduce a range of innovative programs aimed at elevating their financial status and fostering a culture of economic inclusivity.
In a nod to the power of unity, Governor Sani acknowledged the organized labor’s commitment to a productive partnership, vowing to continue prioritizing workers’ welfare and allocating available resources to empower them, driving progress for the state.
He said, “The people must, at all times, be the centre of development. The government exists to cater to the security and welfare of the people. If we remove the people from our calculations, the government loses legitimacy and creates conditions for instability.
“For me as Governor of Kaduna State, this year’s May Day is of great significance for two reasons. This is the first May Day Celebration since I became the Governor of Kaduna State. Secondly, the state enjoyed industrial harmony throughout the year. I, therefore, salute you, the trade union leaders and members for your patriotism and understanding of the state’s precarious fiscal situation.”
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Ayuba Suleiman, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state, showered praise on the governor for his unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare, exemplified by timely salary payments, inclusive decision-making, and a collaborative approach that has fostered a harmonious labor environment.
While commending the governor’s worker-friendly approach, Suleiman also sounded a clarion call for enhanced security measures to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment, where workers can thrive and productivity can flourish, underscoring the critical need for robust security structures.
Suleiman emphasized the urgency for the current administration to spearhead a robust job creation initiative, focusing on the recruitment of highly qualified candidates who would not only swell the ranks of the state workforce but also inject fresh expertise and ideas to drive progress.
The NLC leader, Suleiman, used the occasion to implore Governor Uba Sani to wield his executive power and resolve the protracted dispute surrounding the dismissal of 480 Kaduna Electric workers, seeking a speedy and amicable resolution.
“These are men and women with families and responsibilities to cater for, unfortunately, they have become destitute over a situation that is no fault of theirs,” he said.