The Abia State Government has announced plans to formally launch a contributory pension scheme for workers in September, in line with its ongoing reforms in the Civil Service.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
“In a rare display of Government’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of Abia State workers, the State Government is set to formally launch its workers’ contributory pension scheme”, Kanu said.
He explained that Ten Pension Fund administrators have already been approved for enlistment into the scheme, with preparations at advanced stages adding that the exact date and venue of the launch will be announced in due course.
The Commissioner also highlighted measures to improve workers’ morale through cultural identity, stating that civil servants have been encouraged to wear traditional outfits on Fridays, while members of the Executive Council will appear in traditional attire every first Monday of the month.
According to him, the initiative is part of an ongoing cultural renaissance aimed at showcasing indigenous craftsmanship and promoting Igbo identity.
Council has approved, through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, that all Exco members will wear traditional outfits on the first Monday of every month as a way of showcasing our indigenous craftsmanship, as a way of promoting our locally made traditional outfits.
“In the same way, the State Government has enjoined civil servants to wear traditional outfits to the office on Fridays, as a means of bridging the culture gap, while stimulating our sense of pride of our Igbo identity.
“Of course, we are aware that there is an ongoing cultural revolution in the state, and putting on our locally made fabrics, and we are just one way of strengthening that cultural revolution.
“So, in the coming weeks and months, every other first Monday of the month, just like today, we are expected to put on our traditional outfits.
“In the same vein, our civil servants, on Fridays, are encouraged to wear their traditional outfits to the office, as a way of showcasing who we are as a people and our culture”, Prince Kanu stated.
