In a significant move to boost worker motivation and enhance manpower quality, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the payment of a “13th-month” salary for all state workers. Additionally, the governor has introduced a policy granting automatic employment in the state civil service for First Class graduates of Edo origin from universities in Nigeria and abroad.
Announcing the development, the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, explained that the initiative, known as the Graduate Development Programme (GDP), is aimed at attracting top-tier talent to improve service delivery and promote growth.
“This policy is a testament to the governor’s commitment to motivating workers and ensuring that the state has a robust and efficient workforce,” Okungbowa said. “The Graduate Development Programme will not only bring in high-caliber graduates but also ensure they are retained to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.”
Okungbowa highlighted that the programme involves rotating these First Class graduates through various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to gain broad experience. Plans are also underway to involve the private sector, allowing participants to acquire diverse skills before returning to the public sector to apply their knowledge.
Governor Okpebholo’s policy is aimed at younger graduates, particularly those who graduated from 2020 onwards, though there is potential for the scope to be extended.
“The Governor’s intention is clear: bring in and retain top-level talent,” Okungbowa added.
In addition to improving the civil service, the initiative is expected to foster public-private collaboration, with Edo Innovate playing a key role in enhancing the programme’s outcomes.
This dual policy of a 13th-month salary and automatic employment underscores Governor Okpebholo’s dedication to workforce welfare and capacity building in Edo State, setting a benchmark for other states in the country.