By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, on Thursday announced the visit of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the state on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Making the announcement at the Ekwueme Square, during the occasion of the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration, the Governor said that the President is coming to the state to officially commission some of the completed projects his administration has executed so far within a space of three years in office.

He said: “This Is a proof that my administration is keying in to a partnership that works.

“I urge you all to give him a resounding welcome.”

While addressing Labour Unions members, Soludo called on the Nigeria Union of Journalists to shun analogue style of journalism and embrace the new media.

He also reiterated his government’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of workers, even amidst Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

The Governor added: ”We have settled all arrears inherited upon assuming office. I am pleased to report that, barring cases where retirees have yet to complete documentation, we have successfully cleared four years’ backlog of pension arrears.

“In the civil service, retirees were owed four years of pensions totaling N14 billion. I am happy to announce that we have paid for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Only the year 2021 remains, and we are making arrangements to ensure it is paid shortly.”

Soludo further emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and improved working conditions for public servants, saying that within the within the limits of the resources available, his government will remain determined to enhance the welfare and working environment its workforce.

He noted that it is not just a policy choice, but a moral obligation.

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, hailed Soludo’s administration for the progress so far made.

He however urged the state government to expedite the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme, which is a key recommendation by the Joint Committee on Pension Reform.

According to him, that would provide long-term financial security for retirees and ensure a more sustainable pension system.

While appealing to the Governor to look into the payment of outstanding allowances owed to non-teaching staff under the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and those in post-primary institutions, Nwafor observed that the staff members are yet to receive the approved 17.5% peculiarity allowance and deserve treatment comparable to the 27.5% allowance granted to teachers.

The NLC Chairman further asked for the immediate and full implementation of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUSS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), even as he stressed the need for increased training opportunities, improved welfare packages, and enhanced security for workers across all sectors in Anambra State.