Katsina govt welcomes Tinubu, declares Friday holiday
Katsina govt welcomes Tinubu, declares Friday holiday
Ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s two-day visit to Katsina State, the state governor, Dr Dikko Radda, has declared a public holiday for Friday.
The governor said the public holiday is to enable civil servants to welcome the president, who is scheduled to commission some projects executed by the state government.
Radda made the announcement during his address at the 2025 International Workers’ Day celebration by the Organised Labour, Katsina State Council.
“I am pleased to inform you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be visiting Katsina State tomorrow/today to commission several key projects we have completed over the past two years,” he said.
“In light of this, I hereby declare tomorrow a work-free day, so that civil servants can join us in giving the president a warm and honorable welcome.”
Addressing this year’s theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space Amid Economic Hardship,” Radda commended Katsina workers for their dedication and commitment to service despite challenging times.
“I stand here today not just as your Governor, but as a fellow citizen who deeply values the sacrifices of our civil servants — the unsung heroes who keep our government running smoothly, day in and day out.”
Radda also outlined his administration’s achievements in improving workers’ welfare, including timely payment of salaries, extensive training programs, transparent recruitment processes, office infrastructure upgrades, and implementation of contributory pension schemes.
“From the very beginning, our government has made prompt and regular salary payment a top priority. We have worked diligently to stabilize our revenue base and reform our financial system to ensure workers are paid on time and in full. Today, I can say confidently that there are no salary backlogs.”
He also announced that payment for all outstanding salaries of local government workers was approved over a month ago and directed the Head of Civil Service to urgently investigate and resolve any remaining delays.
Radda, however, called on civil servants to embrace accountability and patriotism in their duties.
According to him, civil servants are not just government employees; they are “change agents, drivers of transformation, and custodians of public trust. Our vision for a better Katsina depends heavily on your dedication, discipline, and sense of duty.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, equity, and fairness in all employment-related matters, stating that “the true measure of any government’s success is the happiness and well-being of its people — especially those who serve in public institutions every day.”
Earlier, the Chairman Nigerian Labour Congress, who doubles as Chairman of Organised Labour, Katsina State Council, Comrade Hussaini Yanduna, expressed appreciation over the state government’s effort at tackling insecurity.
Yanduna said the improvement in peace and stability empowers workers to perform their duties without fear, adding that security remains fundamental to productivity and economic growth.
He also commended the implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, describing it as a demonstration of collective dedication to workers’ welfare and recognises vital contributions to state development.
“We commend the promotion of local government employees to Grade Level 16, improving upon the previous terminal point of Grade Level 15. This development deserves applause,” he said.
“We further request extending this progression opportunity to state civil servants, allowing advancement to Grade Level 17 instead of terminating at Grade Level 16.”
The chairman called on the state government’s attention to manpower shortage in the healthcare sector, stating, “Over 4,000 health workers have retired without replacement, severely compromising service delivery, particularly at primary healthcare levels.
“We urge Your Excellency to apply the same employment method practiced at the State Primary Universal Education Board to address this crisis.”
He assured that organized labour would continue to support initiatives that promote the prosperity of the state, adding, “We assure you that workers will always recognize and appreciate a leader who prioritizes their welfare.”
