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The Ebonyi State Head of Service, Dr. Rita-Mary Okoro, has commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for what she described as remarkable achievements in workers’ welfare and public service reforms over the past three years of his administration.
Speaking with journalists in her office at the State Secretariat, Centenary City, Abakaliki, Dr. Okoro praised the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of civil servants across the state.
She was reacting to Governor Nwifuru’s recent approval of the 2026 promotion and conversion exercise for all qualified civil servants in the state.
According to the Head of Service, the approval did not come as a surprise, noting that the governor has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises as outlined in the People’s Charter of Needs manifesto.
Dr. Okoro highlighted several interventions by the administration, including the implementation of the new national minimum wage and its upward review for state workers, prompt and regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, as well as the timely approval of promotions and conversions in the civil service.
She described these measures as fundamental to the growth, stability and efficiency of the state’s public service.
The Head of Service further disclosed that although Ebonyi State has yet to adopt the Federal Government’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), the present administration has continued to shoulder the full payment of pensions and gratuities without requiring any contributions from retiring workers.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Nwifuru for clearing arrears of pensions and gratuities dating from 1996 to 2023 for both state and local government retirees.
She said the administration has also ensured a seamless transition from active service to retirement, thereby strengthening the state’s “One Service” policy in line with the Federal Civil Service initiative.
Dr. Okoro also commended the governor for introducing and sustaining the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme (EBSHIA) through the Onwa Healthcare Initiative for civil and public servants.
According to her, the scheme has transformed healthcare access for workers and their families through free medical and surgical interventions, including eye surgeries, provision of eyeglasses, treatment of hernia and fibroid cases, as well as continuous care for workers living with diabetes, hypertension and other chronic health conditions.
“Health is wealth, and the service can confidently attest to the impact of these interventions,” she said.
She further described the recruitment of 4,000 workers into the state’s civil and public service as a landmark achievement that has strengthened the workforce and enhanced service delivery.
Dr. Okoro added that the government has continued to invest in the capacity development of the newly recruited personnel through regular training programmes and scholarship opportunities for Master’s and PhD studies in various fields.
She also lauded the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, which provide free transportation for workers and help reduce the cost of commuting to and from work.
According to the Head of Service, the various welfare initiatives introduced by the Nwifuru administration have significantly boosted workers’ morale, improved productivity and strengthened public service delivery across Ebonyi State.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the state’s workforce to supporting the governor’s vision of an efficient public service, sustainable development and economic growth in Ebonyi State.
