By Elohor Foghola
WARRI/Nigeria: It was a historic moment for the staff of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) yesterday, as they received alerts for the payment of the new approved minimum wage in their November salaries for the first time in the history of the Commission.
The Commission since its creation had not benefitted from any minimum wage approved by the previous administrations.
The staff, filled with joy, expressed their gratitude to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for keeping his promise during his campaign, by ensuring that all government workers in Delta State benefit from the new approved minimum wage.
It can be recalled that the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, during his campaign assured staff of DESOPADEC that he will not take their welfare for granted if elected.
‘’ I will take this solidarity visit very seriously. I will build upon your welfare. Adequate attention will be given to the welfare of the staff of the Commission.
“I have been in the struggle, I am not a stranger, I am not a visitor, I am not from Diaspora. “Your pain is my pain because I know your pain. I want to assure you that all your requests will be looked into if I am given the opportunity to be the next Governor of Delta State.”
Since assuming office, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has backed his words with actions and kept his promise to prioritize the well-being of workers in the state. From the timely payment of workers’ salaries, to the payment of arrears and pensions, Governor Oborevwori has proven that he is a labour friendly Governor.
The Chairman of DESOPADEC, Chief John Nani, and the Managing Director, Chief Festus Ochonoghor, during their inaugural speech both assured staff of DESOPADEC that their welfare will be given priority by the management. Revealing in the last Board meeting that the Board had just concluded the promotion of staff and the New Condition of Service is in review, is a testimony of their promise.
The news was met with widespread celebration among DESOPADEC workers. A cross-section of them expressed joy upon receiving alerts reflecting their revised salaries.
Mr. Clarxton Awafore, head of the DESOPADEC Secretariat, commended the governor for his pragmatic approach in approving the new minimum wage. Stating that Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated he is a staff friendly Governor, whose words matches his actions.
Also, Mr Best Anyira a security officer in the commission expressed his gratitude to the Governor saying ‘’This is a life-changing move by the government. It will ease the economic pressure many of us have been facing.”
Similarly, Mr. Felix Ugbegwo an IT staff in the department of project expressed his appreciation to the State Governor for implementing the new minimum wage saying that “Governor Sherriff has kept his promise to DESOPADEC during his campaign, which shows the integrity of his leadership. He however called on the government to do more for the staff.
