Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has taken significant steps to alleviate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on the citizens of the state. In a bid to provide immediate relief, the governor has approved a cash palliative of N10,000 for public workers and pensioners.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, the cash palliatives will be disbursed from July and will continue for a period of three months initially. This move aims to assist those affected by the recent fuel price increase and to ease the burden on the state’s workforce and retirees.
In addition to the cash palliatives, Governor Abiodun has shown concern for the health and medical personnel working tirelessly during these challenging times. He has approved the payment of hazard allowances for all health and medical personnel across the state as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice.
Furthermore, the governor has recognized the importance of public servants and their valuable contributions to the state. As a result, he has approved the payment of Peculiar Allowance to boost their morale and motivation in their respective roles.
Addressing the need to optimize staff well-being and productivity, Governor Abiodun has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to ensure that 20 percent of their workforce is granted off-duty time daily. This measure aims to mitigate the effects of the recent fuel price increase on workers and enhance their work-life balance.
To ensure that the benefits of the palliative measures reach the citizens effectively, the Gateway Trading Company has been assigned the responsibility of establishing distribution outlets across the state. The company has been instructed to ensure that essential items are sold at prices that were obtainable before the fuel price hike.
Furthermore, the state is embarking on the establishment of a commodity exchange to enhance the efficiency of investments in the Agro-allied sector of the economy. This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to combat food insecurity, thereby promoting sustainable economic growth.
The governor has also taken measures to reduce transportation costs in the state. The conversion of State Mass Transit buses, staff buses, and public transportation buses to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) will be initiated. This move is expected to alleviate the challenges faced by commuters and provide them with a more affordable means of transportation.
It is worth noting that Ogun State is not the only state proactively addressing the current economic difficulties caused by the fuel subsidy removal. States like Edo, Kwara, and Bayelsa have also rolled out their plans, ranging from monetary aid to transportation measures and workday reductions, to support their citizens during these trying times.
Governor Abiodun’s multi-faceted approach to easing the burden on the citizens of Ogun State demonstrates his commitment to their welfare and reflects the government’s efforts to navigate the challenges posed by the fuel subsidy removal. These measures aim to alleviate the immediate impact on the people while fostering long-term economic stability and prosperity in the state.
Comments are closed.