The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially recruited 360 cleaners from the three senatorial districts. This initiative, announced by Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, the State Head of Service, underscores the administration’s commitment to people-centered governance.
During a press briefing in Benin on Friday, Dr. Okungbowa outlined the rationale behind this recruitment, emphasizing the need to replace the previous administration’s reliance on consultants and contractors. He noted that these external entities had the authority to hire and fire at will, often leaving workers in precarious situations.
“The governor directed that cleaners should be employed into the state civil service as against using consultants and contractors,” Dr. Okungbowa stated. He highlighted the challenges faced by cleaners under the former system, where their earnings ranged from N20,000 to N30,000, significantly below the state’s minimum wage and without any job security.
Under the new arrangement, the newly hired cleaners will receive a monthly salary of N70,000, aligning with the minimum wage established for all workers in Edo State. Dr. Okungbowa reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to good governance, stating, “Gov. Okpebholo was not pleased with the arrangement of the Obaseki administration, and as such instructed that a direct employment should be embarked on to ensure cleaners are recruited and get paid the N70,000 minimum wage.”
The newly appointed cleaners have been deployed across various government ministries and parastatals, reflecting a strategic effort to boost the state’s workforce. Dr. Okungbowa also mentioned that this recruitment is just the beginning, with plans for additional hiring in the near future.
“This is not the only batch that will be employed by the Edo State government as there will be another batch coming up,” he added, signaling ongoing efforts to improve employment opportunities within the state.
