Ebonyi State Government in Southeast Nigeria, has approved the immediate payment of gratuity from today Thursday, September 21, 2023 with a release of the sum of N3,851,763,617.65.
This Approval was done during the Executive Council EXCO meeting at the New EXCO Chambers in Ochoudo Centenary City
The State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr Jude Okpor disclosed this to Journalists during his briefing in Abakaliki the State Capital.
Recall that Ebonyi State Executive Council EXCO had earlier received a preliminary report on this matter, during which the sum of about N4.3 billion was earmarked for the exercise.
However, following the actual compilation and computation by the Gratuity Committee and other relevant organs of government with actual available data, it was found out that the total of eligible beneficiaries (retirees) at present are 1,715 which amounted to the approved sum at council deliberations.
The Meeting was presided over by the Chairman of Council and Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Okpor said before proceeding to the executive Council meeting, the Council received the report of the Committee on Ebonyi Fertilizer Plant. The CAN chairman, Reverend Scan Nwokolo, who is the Committee chairman presented the report.
“Handing over the report, Reverend Nwokolo, on behalf of the members of his committee thanked the Governor for the privilege to serve. He expressed optimism that the committee’s recommendations would be of benefit in solving the problems of the Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemical Plant, making it more functional. Council commended the committee for diligently completing the work within a record time,” Okpor added.
Civil Service
The Commissioner informed that EXCO received a report that a total of 17, 834 applications were received by the State Civil Service Commission, out of which only 5,352 met the requirement of submitting Original Certificates, with their application while the rest submitted their statements of results.
Council resolved to uphold the above criteria for eligibility for shortlisting with a proviso that opportunities should be given to those who did not attach their certificates but are able to provide theirs before the screening date.
“Addressing the Council, the Chairman of Council emphasized that the recruitment should be merit-based so as to give all applicants equal opportunity to compete for the job. Council further urged the Commission to fast track the process to ensure that the exercise is concluded as soon as possible,” he added.
Environment
Council received a report on the State of the Ebonyi State Pulverization Plant at Okposi Umuoghara in Ezza North Local Government Area and approved that a new Recycling Machine be sourced for installation at the plant to achieve the Waste-to-Wealth vision of the state.
Council further directed the Commissioner for Environment to liaise with his counterpart of Capital City Development to draw a waste management solution to effectively address indiscriminate waste disposal in the state capital and bring to next EXCO meeting for consideration.
Palliatives
EXCO received a progress report from the State Palliative Committee which assured that plans have reached advanced stage for the distribution of over 100, 000 bags of rice and other materials to vulnerable households in the State.
Council charged the committee to hasten arrangements for immediate distribution of the palliatives.
Nigeria Independence Day Celebration and Ebonyi State At 27
He said Council resolved and urged all local government Chairmen to mobilize their people to celebrate the Independence Day in their various local government area headquarters while the State Government would mobilize for State celebration at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.
This is to restore the original purpose, pattern and joy of the celebration which gives people at grassroots the feel of independence celebration rather than centralizing all activities in the State capital.
