Welfare Maxim: Approval of full implementation of Payment of minimum wage in Enugu state,,

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GOVERNOR PETER NDUBUISI MBAH OF ENUGU STATE APPROVES IMMEDIATE PAYMENT OF ARREARS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL LEAVE ALLOWANCE

REITERATES HIS COMMITMENT TO ADDRESSING THE CONSEQUENTIAL MINIMUM WAGE SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

VOWS TO KEY INTO THE NEW MINIMUM WAGE ONCE RELEASED FOR IMPLEMENTATION

PROMISES TO INTERVENE TO REDRESS THE OBSERVED DELAYS IN THE PAYMENT OF SALARIES TO PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

REINSTATES THE SIGNIFICANCE OF KEEPING CAMPAIGN PROMISE TO PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN ENUGU STATE

ASSURES THAT IT IS THE PATH TO REVIVING BASIC EDUCATION AND LAYING A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR POVERTY ERADICATION IN ENUGU STATE

Assoc. Prof. Hyginus Banko Okibe, Ph.D.

As we reflect on the state of the economy and refocus attention on the role of development-conscious leadership in positively shaping the fate of a depressed people, we wish to reckon with the fidelity of a kindhearted Governor of Enugu state, whose purposeful governance has restored trust and faith in modern political promises and leadership.

As of last Monday, 19/02/2024, Governor Mbah responded to the request of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to fulfill the promise to address teachers welfare and non-payment of the primary school teachers' lingering Leave Allowance and Minimum Wage by the past administration.

After nearly four years of lost hope, the promise-keeping Governor Mbah has finally wiped the tears of Enugu State primary school teachers and assured them that their tomorrow is already here.

All over the world, keeping a political campaign promise is regarded as a social contract and a virtue. Honoring the invitation to take decisive action and fulfill the promise is perceived as a principle that only a few individuals painstakingly keep against the prevailing negative norms of denials. Responsible people see compliance with intentional declarations as proof of integrity.

Integrity brings honor and respect, and the significance does not have roots in religion but the personal conviction that doing good has its merit and legacy to pass on to the upcoming generation.

Doing good gives society hope that humane and compassionate leaders are not yet in total extinction. Such angels in human nature exist though in small numbers, which does not make their impacts less attractive but laudable, unique, and outstanding.

God does not deny succor to stranded and oppressed people and salvation to its people at every trial time does not lack. He gives them a helper and counselor fit for their situation, and even when there may be hardship and suffering, a good leader provides light at the end of the tunnel.

Governor Peter Mbah has brought light to Enugu state. The project governor is visible wherever you turn, and people are expressing happiness that Enugu has got it right this time in political leadership. Happy are those who saw our tomorrow today, the things of spirit are not in the realm of physical sight.

The evidence of Mbah's extraordinary footprints is here and there for everyone to see and confess that he was the best choice Enugu made at the polling booth. He has no alternative in this time and season and God heard the prayers to give Enugu people the Biblical Joseph.

Governor Mbah has since noted that voting 33% into education does not mean well if teachers' welfare is not prioritized and given due attention. Education is the resource for human capital development and Mbah has given it a prominent status in his programs.

Teachers are the drivers of the process of nation-building, they serve as a vehicle for transporting quality education, and harvesting improved curriculum content to impart knowledge, and therefore, deserve adequate remuneration and motivation through regular training and professional development programs.

This has justified the action of Governor Mbah in approving and ensuring immediate implementation of some major welfare packages for primary school teachers in Enugu state - particularly Leave Allowance and Consequential Minimum Wage Salary Adjustment.

Teachers who initially heard the whispers treated it as usual news without action. None was ready to believe that Mbah meant it when he made the promise to teachers nor was he going to be held liable for not fulfilling what many regarded as a vague political promise in chase of votes and election victory. The conclusion was based on their past experiences and doubts about any possible change in the old practices.

But Governor Mbah has become the face of the new Enugu. This new face represents truth and good conscience. The truth associated with the new face has continued to unfold in different forms, in policy statements and implementation action plans.

Primary School Teachers' cases have become a new amplifier of the new Enugu face symbolized by good governance. The 1st N200m tranche of the approximately N2b arrears of Leave Allowance for Primary School Teachers will be paid this month of February and the installment payment will continue and elapse in November 2024. The implication is that the Governor will commit N200m every month for the next ten months (Feb - Nov. 2024) to pay the 3-4 years of accumulated arrears to teachers at the basic education level.

From the foregoing purposeful leadership, there are no doubts that Governor Peter Mbah's key performance indicators have since passed the initial benchmark set by the electorate. His social contract with the Enugu people is alive and healthy. What he has done and what he intends to do has erased every doubt about his capacity to generate ideas and initiate impactful actions, the sincerity to serve with honor and integrity, the dedication to lead at all times, and the passion to transform Enugu, the coal city state to a smart city.

As of the time of this report, the Governor has awarded several road projects, including above 125 numbers of Smart Schools for construction. The spread of these projects across Enugu state has made some people wonder about the sources of the funds to Enugu state, which the past administrations lacked the foresight to harness. Yet, other projects that will gulp billions are to be done based on the list of projects and development blueprints presented in the 2024 budgets alone.

Governor Mbah is a gift to Enugu state. Aside from projects, he is concerned about the delays in salary payments to primary school teachers. This problem will soon be a thing of the past. Primary school teachers will see reasons to wish Governor Mbah well and support his efforts to lift Enugu out of poverty by growing the economy for the common good of Enugu people.

The performances of Governor Mbah attest to the sincerity of his manifesto and the commitment he attached to his campaign promises during the 2023/2024 governorship election in Enugu state.

The primary school teachers are excited, happy, and singing Governor Mbah's praises. ENSUBEB also appreciates the Governor's magnanimity and extraordinary love for primary school teachers. Enugu people are commending Governor Mbah for his disruptive agenda in Enugu state.

Governor Mbah has opened the closed doors of equity, justice, and fair treatment to primary school teachers. With this gesture, every primary school teacher must enter the new economy provided by Governor Mbah with a promise to be a good and responsible teacher. Dedication to service is among many things that Mbah will leave as a footprint in Enugu state's basic education system.

One good turn, they say, deserves another one. ENSUBEB demands that primary school teachers redouble their commitment to duty and always show honesty in service delivery. There is dignity in labor, and the reward is never in vain.

Together, we can revamp Enugu state and turn around the corrosive education system through the Smart School and technologically oriented and driven curricula to become the envy of this generation.

TOMORROW IS HERE

© Clinton Consult Media