Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, on Monday, approved the payment of 13th-month salary to Edo civil and public servants.

Mr Obaseki gave the approval during an interactive session with civil and public servants between Grade Levels 8 and 17 at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City.

He commended the workers for their support of his administration over the past six years.

He called for greater government-workers synergy to ensure the sustainability of the ongoing reforms designed to guarantee improved well-being for the people and economic prosperity for the state.

Mr Obaseki assured the people of his administration’s commitment to developing the Benin Port and other projects meant to place the state on the path of sustainable economic growth and development.

He said: “You have asked for a 13th-month salary to be paid to you in December.

“We will do it but between now and December, how will you pay the state government back?

“I am here today to say thank you for your support.

“When I look back, I know I have people.

“You have supported me for the past six-and-a-half years.

“I thank you for coming out to vote during the last election to sustain our developmental strides in Edo.

“Our focus should be on how to sustain our developmental strides.

The governor further said that everything he had done since he assumed office “is to put you where you really should belong because you are the heart and the engine of Edo”.

“Our focus is on how to ensure the sustainability of the reforms we have embarked on and you need to play an active part in this journey.

“We want Edo to be a model for the nation and give the nation hope.

“I appreciate the efforts you have put in to ensure the state develops.

“You must participate in the reforms and must be trained and retrained.

“We should ensure that the next leader of the state will not take us back,” Obaseki said.

Giving an update on the development of the Benin River Port, he said: “the state and federal governments, Nigeria Ports Authority and ministry of transportation are considering all the applications.

“And very soon, we will zero in on one partner, and start the development of the port.

“It is my hope that within the next nine to twelve months, work will have started in terms of building the port on the Benin River and that will be a game changer.

“We already have partners who are setting up an LNG plant near the River Port in anticipation of the port.”

The permanent secretary, Edo state ministry of environment and sustainability, Edionwe Joel, thanked the governor for his developmental strides and commitment to the welfare of workers in Edo.

He assured the governor of the continued support of the workers.

(NAN)