Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has announced a Christmas bonus of ₦150,000 for each civil servant in the state as part of efforts to ease the financial burden of the festive season.
The announcement was made on Thursday, December 12, 2024, by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, in a statement shared via his official Facebook page.
According to the statement, the bonus will be disbursed to eligible civil servants by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. “Every worker in Ebonyi State service will receive ₦150,000 as a Christmas bonus before 1 p.m. on Tuesday,” Uzor quoted Governor Nwifuru as saying.
The gesture has been widely praised as a significant relief for state workers and their families during the holiday period. Civil servants in the state expressed gratitude to the governor for prioritizing their welfare and providing them with the financial support to celebrate Christmas comfortably.
Speaking on the development, a civil servant, who wished to remain anonymous, commended Governor Nwifuru’s administration for recognizing the importance of the holiday season to workers. “This is a very thoughtful and timely move by the governor. It shows he is committed to the well-being of Ebonyi workers,” the worker said.
The Christmas bonus comes amid calls from public sector employees across Nigeria for improved welfare packages and timely payment of salaries. Governor Nwifuru’s decision is seen as a progressive step in addressing the needs of the state’s workforce.
Governor Nwifuru has made worker welfare a focal point of his administration since assuming office. Earlier in the year, he implemented measures aimed at enhancing salaries and working conditions for state employees, earning him accolades from labor unions.
The bonus is expected to boost morale among workers and enhance their ability to meet financial obligations during the festive season. Observers have noted that such initiatives could set a benchmark for other state governments in prioritizing civil servant welfare.
With the disbursement deadline set for December 17, civil servants across Ebonyi State eagerly await the fulfillment of the governor’s promise, which is expected to contribute to a joyous Christmas celebration for thousands of families.
By Saifullahi Muhammad
