Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has assured Oyo State Civil Servants that deserving workers will have the opportunity to get up to grade level 17 under his watch.
According to GOALPOACHER NEWS, Makinde stated this on Wednesday during an Inter- faith prayer session held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat to usher in 2021 administrative activities.
Makinde assured that the seeds planted in the previous year will yield good fruits. He highlighted the various projects that will be commissioned this year.
Speaking on the second wave of the dreaded coronavirus pandemic, coupled with the rising insecurity in the state, Makinde stressed that his administration is on top of the matter.
The Governor added that a press conference will be held later today where he will sharing some of the steps his administration will be taking to make things better in 2021.
Makinde Press briefing. His words:
“First, let me thank God for the gift of life and His protection over us all in the past year. 2020 has been described in many quarters as a tough year. We did not survive last year because we are tougher, we survived only by His Grace. And that is why it is good that we are holding this inter-faith service in gratitude.”
“Gratitude is something that a lot of us take for granted. Somehow, a lot of us feel that we can only express gratitude when everything is fine. But we know that as far as this world is concerned, everything cannot be great all the time. So, we must be grateful for what we have. In showing gratitude, we will receive even more.
We are starting this year in good spirits. We are confident that this year, the seeds we planted in the previous year will yield good fruits.”
“We are looking forward to commissioning various projects that we started last year. For example, the 65km Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin road, will be commissioned this year. Also lined up for commissioning are
The 21km Airport- Ajia-New Ife Express road with a spur to Amuloko;
The 12km Apete-Awotan-Akufo road;
The 3km Under G Stadium-LAUTECH-2nd Gate road;
The 5km Gedu-Oroki-Sabo-Asipa road;
The 12.5km dualisation of Challenge-Odo Ona Elewe-Apata road and
The 10km Saki Township road dualisation amongst others.”
“Asides these, we will also be commissioning the remodelled Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, the four bus terminals at Iwo Road, New Ife Road, Challenge and Ojoo in Ibadan as well as the bike and bus terminal at Agodi Gate, Ibadan.
The Akesan Market razed down by an inferno in January 2020 will also be commissioned this year.
We heard some people wondering last year if we will continue paying salaries promptly given the hardship occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic meltdown.”
“Well, by the grace of God, we are not owing any salaries. We even surprised them more by paying 13th month salaries for the second time running at a time when other states are owing their workers. In fact, we have spent about N9.3 billion to pay pensions and gratuities owed by the previous administration so far and we will continue to pay to clear up the backlog.”
“Also, as you may be aware, there is a backlog of outstanding promotions from 2016. This will be addressed this year. Furthermore, deserving civil servants will have the opportunity to get up to grade level 17 under our watch. Let me reassure you that we will continue to prioritise the welfare of the civil servants in Oyo State.”