The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has commended the policies implemented by the administration of President Bola Tinubu since coming into power in 2023. According to him, Tinubu inherited a country that was drowning and suffering from cancer and had to make decisions only a bold leader can take in order to rescue Nigeria. Uzodinma, […]

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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved a new minimum wage of ₦104,000 for civil servants in the state.

Naija News reports that the governor announced the increase during a meeting with labour union leaders on Tuesday night at the Government House, Owerri.

According to the governor, the wage adjustment raises the minimum salary for workers from ₦76,000 to ₦104,000.

Other categories of workers also received upward reviews:

• Doctors’ minimum pay rose from ₦215,000 to ₦503,000.
• Teachers in tertiary institutions had their salaries increased from ₦119,000 to ₦222,000.

Uzodimma said the decision was informed by the need to ease the economic hardship confronting workers.

“When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows. This is our way of investing in Imo people,” he said.

The governor highlighted the challenges faced since his administration assumed office in 2020, ranging from insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, subsidy removal, and disputes over wages.

“We tried as a government to always put it behind our mind that there is no way any government will do well if it doesn’t have a friendly and cordial relationship with the organised labour,” Uzodimma stated.

He added that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had increased from ₦400 million to over ₦3 billion per month, while allocations from the Federation Account grew from ₦5-₦7 billion in 2020 to about ₦14 billion.

Uzodimma also disclosed that the state debt profile had reduced from ₦280 billion in 2020 to less than ₦100 billion.

The governor acknowledged the hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal but insisted the policy had long-term benefits.

“It is a thing of joy that we have started seeing the dividends of that bold decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove fuel subsidy. What government is confronted with now is how to ensure that the dividends of that policy trickle down to the common man on the street,” he said.

Uzodinma assured that transparency in resource allocation was key to sustaining reforms.

The Governor further revealed that the state government would commence the payment of the last batch of gratuities owed to pensioners, amounting to ₦16 billion, on August 27.

He added that his administration had introduced a health insurance scheme, equipped health facilities, and keyed into the Federal Government’s initiative of establishing 1,000 businesses in every active INEC ward.

The governor urged labour unions to foster unity with government and charged workers to avoid unethical practices and redundancy.

The state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, described the wage increase as a major win for Imo workers.

“Today, no worker in Imo will say you (Uzodimma) have not been fair to us. You rescued us from economic challenges and placed Imo among the highest-paying states in Nigeria,” he said.

He prayed for the governor’s protection, assuring that workers would reciprocate through diligent service delivery.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Uchenna Ibe, lauded the governor’s “strong political will” in increasing wages and implementing reforms.

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Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has rewarded seven Super Falcons players of Imo origin with ₦30 million each and plots of land in choice areas of Owerri, following Nigeria’s recent victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The announcement was made during a special dinner reception held in honour of the players at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Owerri, as part of the state’s recognition of their heroic contribution to the national team’s historic triumph.

Speaking at the event, Governor Uzodinma described the honour as the state’s way of celebrating excellence and encouraging more women to venture into sports.

“We are proud of your sterling performance. You have made Nigeria and Imo State proud,” he said.

“As a token of our appreciation, each of you will receive a plot of land in a choice area in Owerri and a cash gift of ₦30 million. This is our way of celebrating your heroism and encouraging young girls to dream big.”

The Super Falcons players from Imo State who were honoured include:

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Goalkeeper and captain)

Jennifer Echegini

Tochukwu Oluchi

Chinwendu Ihezuo

Osinachi Ohale

Michelle Alozie

Ifeoma Onumonu

Members of the technical crew from the state were also included in the reward package.

Governor Uzodinma commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for being the first to celebrate the Falcons’ WAFCON success.

“President Tinubu set the pace in recognising and celebrating excellence, and as a state, we are proud to follow in that direction,” he said.

He assured that Imo would continue to invest in sports to build a pipeline of talent that will represent Nigeria with pride on the international stage.

Uzodinma Urges Women to Strive for Excellence

The governor also used the opportunity to inspire young women and girls across the state to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

“To our daughters and young girls watching, let this be your motivation. Compete for the best, push your limits, and don’t let anything hold you back,” he charged.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Obinna Onyeocha, praised the governor for his passion and financial commitment to sports in the state.

“Your Excellency, your actions continue to show that sports development is a priority in this administration. This event is a clear manifestation of your dedication,” Onyeocha said.

The colourful event was attended by top government functionaries, traditional rulers, sports enthusiasts, and the family members of the honoured players.

The Super Falcons’ victory in Morocco marked Nigeria’s 12th WAFCON title, with the Imo-born stars playing pivotal roles in securing the historic win.

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