The Benue State Government has declared every Friday a work-free day to enable workers in the state to work on their farms.

The state Commissioner for Information, Chief Odeh Ageh, stated this in a statement he issued in Makurdi, on Thursday, stating that the decision was taken at the state executive council meeting, held on Wednesday.

The commissioner explained that the objective was to enable as many workers as possible to produce food to feed their families considering the current economic downturn, which had made regular payment of salaries a major challenge.

He announced that the work-free day would commence from Friday, June 10 and would last till the end of July.

He stated further that the state governor had announced that he would take a two-week vacation, which was part of his annual leave from Monday, June 13 to work on his farm, while the deputy governor, Mr Benson Abounu would act on his behalf during the period.

The commissioner also approved the interdiction of the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Mr Joseph Kyaagba, who was being investigated in connection with the murder of the Senior Special Assistant on Special Security, late Denen Igbana.

It directed the Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Dr Bem Mellabu, to oversee the office of Special Duties in addition to his portfolio.

The meeting also approved the appointment of the wife of the deceased, Mrs Martha Hembadoon Igbana, as a Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Relations. (Nigerian Tribune)

•Photo shows Benue Governor Samuel Orton.