Even as the Zamfara government has initiated the process of paying retirees from state and local governments their owed gratuities, labour unions in the area on Thursday conferred on Dauda Lawal the title of “the most compassionate governor.”
A press statement on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the award is in recognition of Lawal’s achievements during his first eight months in office.
According to him, the Zamfara State government has consistently made the welfare of its workers a top priority right from the beginning.
“The award will encourage him to work even harder towards the welfare of workers,” he said.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) presented the Executive Excellence Award to the Governor at the Government House in Gusau.
Receiving the award, Lawal said, “My government will remain committed to promoting the well-being of Zamfara people, workers, and development.
“We have several plans to enhance our workers’ welfare, some of which are already underway.
“We have resolved the issue of outstanding salaries that we inherited from the previous administration, and we were able to provide the 13th-month salary for the first time in the history of our state.
“Additionally, we set up a committee to settle the debt owed to retirees from 2011 to date, which amounted to N13.4 billion
“The committee has already gone far with the authentication of data submitted by the local government and state pension commission and the physical verification of beneficiaries.
“Retirees from state and local governments will receive their owed gratuities as payments have been initiated.
“We promised to serve the people of Zamfara, to rescue and rebuild the state for the better.
“And that is exactly what my government is doing.
“I want to thank you for this award of excellence. It holds a significant value for me.”
The NLC Chairman, Comrade Sani Halliru, and that of the TUC, Comrade Sa’idu Mudi, said organised labour conferred the award on the governor due to his unwavering commitment towards the welfare of Zamfara workers.
The Labour leaders also noted that this is the first time in the state’s history that a governor has shown such rare magnanimity towards the workers.
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