Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo has promised to support poor residents in Edo with N500 million monthly to help them cope with the prevailing economic situation caused by the fuel subsidy removal.
Obaseki made this promise on Wednesday, August 2, when he addressed Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) protesters in Edo led by their chairman, Odion Olaye.
According to the governor, his administration is not insensitive to the plights of the Edo people, hence the decision to approve and disburse the funds from the state government’s coffers.
His words: “I have decided that every month, going forward, we will take N500 million from our own money to give to the poorest of the poor in Edo State. We are not waiting for anybody.
“Recall on May day this year, I warned you that we are likely to face the condition we are seeing today.
“And, I advised you in that speech that you should not wait but be proactive. I want to let you know that in Edo state that we are labour-friendly.
“Two years ago, we increased the minimum wage because we knew the workers were suffering, and we had to do something about it. We know your take-home pay can no longer take you home, and something must be done.
“We, in Edo state, will support your action that your wages must reflect the current realities.”
Obaseki urged the federal government to give palliative to the various local government area across the country, adding that the local governments were closer to the people.
