Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has employed 1,000 cleaners as civil servants under his SHINE agenda.

The decision followed the governor’s move to end outsourced cleaning contracts.

In a statement, Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua said funds previously spent on contractors would now sustainably cover direct employment at the new minimum wage of N75,000.

He added that about 2,000 new staff have also been recruited across critical sectors such as health, education, and agriculture.

According to him, Governor Okpebholo has further approved the recruitment of graduate doctors, health personnel, and agricultural extension officers to close pressing workforce gaps.

According to him, “Civil Service Commission has been reconstituted and is set to clear the backlog of promotions, which will now be merit-based through the Edo-PREP system, a reform designed to retool officers and ensure that competence and excellence are rewarded.

“On welfare, the administration of Governor Okpebholo has sustained prompt salary payments on or before the 26th of every month, alongside the payment of a 13th-month wage in December 2024.

“Pensioners have equally benefited, with N300 million released monthly for gratuities, N1 billion dedicated to clearing arrears dating back to 2012, and over N65 million paid in insurance claims to families of deceased staff.” (The Nation)