Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that the Rivers State Government is now paying N2 billion 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 on Thursday, August 22, 2024, Governor Fubara disclosed that he made the decision to raise the monthly payment from one billion to two billion to clear the backlog and guarantee the efficient implementation of payments for gratuities and pensions to retired civil servants.
The new minimum wage approved by the Federal Government will be implemented immediately by Rivers State as disclosed by Governor Fubara, who was represented by Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the Secretary to the State Government.
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 recognize 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 teachers 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 and 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 extended congratulations to civil servants on their week and urged them to stay dedicated to developing a resilient and inclusive civil service that prioritizes education and continuous learning.
Dr. George Nwaeke, the Head of Service, expressed his gratitude to Governor Fubara for his constant dedication to ensuring an improved and efficient civil service.
“I commend His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara 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 speech that centered around the theme of the Rivers State Civil Service Week.
The celebration had Chief Oris Onyiri, who was the former Chairman of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, as its Chairman. Also present were members of the State Executive Council, special advisers, and permanent secretaries, among others.
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