The Imo state Governor Hope Uzodimma has announced a new minimum wage of N40,000 for workers in the state to ease the pains caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.
The governor also announced a N5 billion revolving loan for farmers, as well as free transportation and medical care.
Governor Uzodimma made the announcement during a special meeting with critical Imo stakeholders, on Saturday in Owerri.
The governor said the free transportation, feeding, and medical care were for civil servants.
He said other palliatives include the establishment of marketing and commodity boards, mass housing, and recruitment of more teachers.
The Governor also announced that the government had initiated a scholarship scheme for students in the state, while retirees will be paid promptly.
Governor Uzodinma explained that he had seen the suffering of his people, particularly the low-income earners and those in paid employment.
He expressed confidence that the measures taken would stimulate the economy, create additional jobs and enhance workers’ wages.
He however explained that although the impact of the fuel subsidy removal policy appears harsh in the short run, it will, in the long run, bring positive results.
He also directed the state Head of Service to work out the modalities for daily free meals for civil servants as well as free medical treatment in designated hospitals.
For farmers, he said the N5 billion revolving loan will be released immediately to stimulate production in the value chain.
He also announced recruitment exercises for new teachers from primary to secondary and tertiary levels to boost employment and income generation, particularly among graduates.
He said the government would train 100,000 youths annually in digital skills through the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government.
In his response, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC in the state, Dr Philip Nwansi commended Governor Uzodimma for his leadership qualities which he noted had started yielding results in the South East.
