Protocol
1. My dear co-workers of Kogi State, distinguished labour leaders, gentlemen of the press, and great people of our dear State, I join you today with a deep sense of pride and responsibility as we celebrate Workers’ Day; a day set aside to honour your sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the growth and stability of our State. Today is a moment of reflection and renewed dedication to the ideals of hard work, patriotism, and unity.
2. Let me say this clearly: I am one of you. I understand the challenges you face, and I know where the shoe pinches. I stand before you not just as your Governor, but as your Chief Servant, committed to leading from the front as we work together to build a productive, prosperous, and people-focused Kogi State.
3. When we sparked the reforms in the civil service, we did so deliberately and with a clear vision. We set out to build a labour force that is competent, efficient, and ready for the Kogi of our dreams, a workforce that can deliver quality service, embrace innovation, and compete with the best across the nation.
4. Our administration has remained consistent in prioritising the welfare of workers because we understand that a motivated workforce is the backbone of development. This is why we have sustained the prompt and regular payment of salaries and pensions, ensured timely promotions, supported retirees through the payment of gratuities, and maintained industrial harmony through continuous engagement with organised labour, while also investing in capacity building to equip our workforce for a modern and productive public service.
5. At the national level, I commend the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose bold steps have gone beyond wage increases to include reforms that make it possible to sustainably cater for the wages and welfare of workers. These reforms have provided the foundation upon which states like ours can build stronger and more responsive systems for the benefit of our workforce. The administration of Mr President has been impactful for workers, and I urge all of us to support ongoing efforts aimed at building a more united and prosperous Nigeria.
6. In Kogi State, we have aligned with this vision by focusing not only on meeting obligations, but also on building structures that guarantee sustainability, accountability, and long-term growth, ensuring that our civil service becomes a model of excellence and productivity.
7. However, the task of building the Kogi of our dreams does not rest in the government alone. It requires the collective effort of all of us. Let us put in the work, embrace patriotism, and strengthen our unity so that together, we can build a State that future generations will be proud of. We must reject indiscipline and inefficiency, and instead embrace diligence, integrity, and a shared sense of purpose.
8. As we celebrate today, we honour the sacrifices of those who have stood for the rights and welfare of workers, whose contributions remind us that progress is achieved through courage, sacrifice, and commitment to justice.
9. My fellow workers, as we approach a period when political activities will naturally gain momentum, I encourage responsible participation. At the same time, we must not lose sight of the fact that our people depend on us for service and productivity. Politics has its place, but our primary duty remains service to the people. Let us continue to work hard to create an environment that will boost industrialization, create opportunities, and engage our youths. Beyond politics, our shared goal must be to build a Kogi that is industrialised and positioned as a production hub for our nation.
10. Let us also embrace the Kogi Rebrand Campaign by projecting our State positively at all times. What we call Kogi is what the world will come to see. As critical stakeholders in governance, I urge you to use your platforms to showcase the strengths and vast potential of our State. When the world sees the opportunities in Kogi, investment will grow, jobs will be created, and prosperity will expand. Kogi is counting on you. Our identity as the true Confluence of Opportunities must be reflected in our words and actions.
11. To every worker in Kogi State, I assure you that your labour is not in vain. Your sacrifices are recognised, your contributions are valued, and your government remains committed to your welfare and well-being.
12. Together, we will continue to move Kogi State forward, building a stronger, more united, and more productive State for ourselves and generations yet unborn. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” This timeless truth reminds us that every honest effort contributes to the greatness of our State.
Happy Workers’ Day, and may God bless the great workers of Kogi State.
Thank you and God bless.
HE Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA
The Chief Servant of Kogi State
1st May, 2026
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