Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has committed to paying the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage, recently agreed upon by the Federal Government and organized labor.
Speaking to newsmen in Makurdi on Friday, Alia emphasized the importance of appreciating workers. He expressed confidence that with improved internally generated revenue and focused administration, Benue would meet the new wage requirements.
“The Federal Government and the organized labor announced the N70,000 minimum wage on Thursday. Despite the current economic challenges, our state is progressing due to careful planning and prudent resource management,” Alia stated. He highlighted the increase in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and the closing of loopholes as key factors enabling the payment of the new wage.
“Why not, we can pay. I’m focused. What is agreed by the Federal Government is definitely what we the sub-nationals can also just queue in to. Without the workforce, we wouldn’t have any center of any government. So we need to appreciate our civil servants or workforce in a way approved by the Federal Government and the Labour organisations synonymously so that the system can work,” he added.
Earlier, while inaugurating the governing councils of seven state tertiary institutions, Gov. Alia charged them with upholding corporate governance. He emphasized that the future of these institutions lies on their shoulders, urging them to focus on policy enhancements to improve education quality to meet global standards.
The governor assured the councils of the government’s support by providing working guidelines for efficient service delivery. Responding on behalf of the inaugurated members, Mr. Paul Chukwuma, Chairman/Pro-chancellor of Benue State University (BSU), promised to deliver on their mandate, emphasizing the need for adequate support for research and development.
The inaugurated members include:
- Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi: Paul Chukwuma (Chairman/Pro-chancellor), Prof. Shagbaor Wegh, Mr. Simon Orkuma, Dr. Diana Ochoga, and Mr. Michael Gongul.
- Benue State Polytechnic, Ogbokolo: Dr. Demian Anyam (Chairman), Mr. Sam Godday, Dr. Kelvin Kandev, Mr. Samuel Awuhe, and Mr. Peter Egbodo.
- College of Education, Oju: Prof. Member George-Genyi (Chairman), Prof. Emmanuel Otor, Prof. Joseph Kerker, Habiba Ochifu, and Rev. Elijah.
- College of Education, Katsina-Ala: Prof. Gabriel Moti (Chairman), Chief Johnson Onoja, Victoria Ekwo, and Patience Iorun.
- Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, Makurdi: Prof. Okpe Okpe (Chairman), Mr. Bitacy Jirgba, Dr. Shiminenge Atime, Mr. Edo Egboja, and Mr. Achihin Hur.
- Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Yandev: Dr. Victoria Pila (Chairman), Mr. Sam Agwa, Mr. Nicholas Ugallali, Mrs. Theresa Ikwe, and Mr. Joseph Adi.
- College of Health Technology, Agasha: Dr. Bem Vangerwua (Chairman), Dr. Silas Ge, Alice Yaaju, Rebecca Tor, and Comfort Anongu.
