Joy swept through the Edo State Civil Service as workers received their 13th-month salary, a gesture many described as both timely and uplifting. The payment, approved by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has sparked widespread appreciation across ministries, with civil servants praising the government for easing financial pressures at a critical time.
At the Edo State Secretariat, reactions were filled with excitement and gratitude. Mrs. Rose Imonikhe, Director of Orientation at the Ministry of Information and Strategy, said the alert came as an unexpected but welcome surprise. She described waking up to the credit alert as a moment of happiness, noting that the smiles seen on her face were reflected across the service.
According to her, the additional salary could not have come at a better time, especially as many workers had already exhausted their December earnings during the festive season. She explained that the payment would help families settle school fees, manage rent renewals and step into the new year with renewed confidence and financial stability.
Mrs. Imonikhe also urged civil servants to reciprocate the governor’s goodwill with increased dedication to duty, stressing that the civil service remains central to the delivery of democratic dividends across the state.
Similar reactions were shared by staff at the Ministry of Lands and Housing, including Beatrice Ihulde, Precious Abu, Bridget Igbinovia and Onyinyechi Florence, who described the payment as a clear sign that the government values and cares about its workforce.
At the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, the Director of Administration, Mrs. Egbe Jocy, said the initiative would significantly boost morale and enhance productivity, adding that motivated workers are better positioned to deliver quality service to the people.
Across the civil service, many agree that the 13th-month salary has brought relief and strengthened confidence in Governor Okpebholo’s people-focused style of governance. The payment follows his decision, shortly after assuming office in November 2024, to reinstate and implement the 13th-month salary for Edo State civil servants, a move now widely seen as a strong statement of commitment to workers’ welfare.
