The Ogun State Government has said that appointments, promotions and career advancement would be merit based, as favouritism would no longer be entertained in the State Civil Service.
The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stated this at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta while addressing workers who trooped out to thank him for paying the new minimum wage and noted that the State and its people are exemplary and so, would continue to adhere to equity and fairness.
Governor Abiodun described the State workforce as the best in service delivery in the country, adding that the State has produced world-class civil servants who have made headway in different parts of the world.
“No nation or state can achieve any meaningful development without workers who are well motivated to perform optimally. We will continue to constantly and regularly pay our workers salary and other benefits to enable them discharge their duties efficiently.
“I know that there has been a breakdown of trust in the past between government and workers. On our part, we will continue to build trust with you. There should be no mistrust or misunderstanding between us.
“You are the essence of this Administration. I can assure you that we will continue to engage you, and I am happy that the trust is being restored,” he noted.
The Governor expressed gratitude to God for the low number of deaths recorded in the State and the Nation as a result of the Coronavirus, regretting however that it has adversely affected the economy and financial fortune of the State.
He appreciated the people of the State for restraining from violent acts during the #EndSARS protest, noting that Ogun remains the only State in the southwest that witnessed little violent destruction of public and private properties.
While calling for patience, understanding and renewed vigour in service delivery, Prince Abiodun assured workers that other demands would be met as the finances of the State improved.
Speaking earlier, the Head of Service, Alhaja Selimot Ottun, maintained that the government has well thought-out welfare programmes for the workers, saying the State workforce is poised to improve the Internally Generated Revenue through efficient services to the people.
Representatives of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), lauded the government team at the negotiation table for showing uncommon commitment that led to the arrival of the new minimum wage in the State.
Representatives of workers who spoke at the occasion, described the State Governor as a “talk and do”, who made and kept his promises, assuring loyalty to the government and improved services to the people.
