Kogi gov urged to prioritise training, workforce

A political activist and former Home of Representatives candidate for the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in Kogi State, Usman Okai, has referred to as on Governor Usman Ododo to urgently handle the “deteriorating state of training and the dwindling civil service workforce” within the state.

Okai lamented the neglect of major and secondary colleges throughout Kogi, describing them as “lifeless” and in “determined want” of intervention.

He urged the federal government to prioritise the rehabilitation of presidency and group colleges to make sure entry to high quality training for college kids.

“I would like the governor to equip our lifeless and determined colleges and switch them into good colleges like in Edo, Enugu, and others, as such will carry pleasure to our college students and oldsters alike,” Okai stated in a press release despatched to journalists on Sunday.

Whereas commending the governor’s approval of N600 million final 12 months to cowl West African Examinations Council charges for 18,734 college students in public secondary colleges, Okai emphasised the necessity for extra consideration to infrastructure.

“I hope that this 12 months, he’ll look extra critically into fixing the dilapidated constructions in a lot of our colleges, like the first college in Okura in Dekina, Oguma Main School in Bassa, and the Ojuwo Olijo Main School in Ofu Native Authorities Space, amongst others throughout the confluence state,” he added.

On the civil service workforce, Okai criticised what he described as inadequate recruitment efforts, which he blamed for the declining variety of staff within the state.

He questioned the sustainability of paying staff’ salaries whereas the workforce continues to shrink.

“The junior staff, who’re supposed to profit from the brand new minimal wage, are now not in service in Kogi State,” he stated, attributing the state of affairs to the controversial workforce screening train carried out through the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello.

In response to Okai, the screening train led to the dismissal of over 70% of staff with out ample replacements.

“Some individuals have been working for over six years with out receiving salaries. I problem the state authorities to reveal the overall variety of staff and the wage invoice for each state and native authorities workers to counter my claims,” he alleged.

He additional acknowledged, “Kogi State has one of many lowest civil service workforce numbers amongst northern states, and that is as a result of failure of the federal government to recruit replacements for retirees as accomplished in Oyo State and others.”

Regardless of his criticisms, Okai counseled the state authorities for its efforts in enhancing safety, describing the progress as commendable.

Nonetheless, he urged the federal government to make addressing the employees’ plight and revitalising the training sector high priorities.

Efforts to get a response from the Kogi State Commissioner of Info, Kingsley Fanwo, proved abortive.

Whereas Fanwo requested by way of WhatsApp if the reporter was a journalist, he had not responded to questions as of the time of submitting this report