‘Our way of saying thank you’: Okpebholo raises minimum wage for Edo workers

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has increased the minimum wage for workers in the state from N70,000 to N75,000 to further improve their standard of living.

Okpebholo announced this during his May Day speech at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, the capital of Edo State, on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

The governor, while appreciating Edo workers’ contributions to the state’s development, said his administration would always look for ways to improve the welfare of Edo workers.

He said: “Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for all Edo workers.

“It’s our way of saying thank you, Edo workers. We believe this makes a real difference, and we count on your dedication to a better Edo.

“Since taking office, my administration has prioritised workers’ welfare.

“One early action was converting over 1,000 casual workers, including cleaners, into permanent civil service employees.”

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Okpebholo disclosed that his administration had also hired 500 teachers, adding that he was reviewing over 3,000 casual teachers for full employment.

“We also approved recruitment of 450 clinical and non-clinical hospital staff and regularised 126 contract workers at Edo State Specialist Hospital for stability and growth,” the governor stated.

Okpebholo also revealed that his administration had cleared outstanding salary arrears owed to Edo Polytechnic staff.

Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s dedication to prompt salary and pension payments, structured recruitment, workers’ welfare, and professional development

Speaking, the Acting NLC Chairman in Edo State, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, commended Okpebholo for laudable policies that ease the hardship experienced by workers and pensioners across the state.

He said: “Within six months in office, you have performed excellently for Edo workers. Your achievements surpass our expectations and show real commitment to the needs of workers

“We also thank President Bola Tinubu for supporting Edo State. The first flyover is under construction, and a second has already been approved for development.”

The Star