Edo State Government Directly Hires 360 Cleaners, Boosts Workforce

The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has made a significant move to improve job security and provide fair wages by directly employing over 360 cleaners from across the state. Anthony Okungbowa, the State Head of Service, confirmed this development to journalists in Benin City, noting that the new hires were sourced from all three senatorial districts and deployed to various government ministries and parastatals.

This employment drive is part of Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to people-centered governance and an effort to ensure fair treatment for all workers. Okungbowa explained that the Governor’s decision to employ cleaners directly, as opposed to relying on consultants and contractors, is a direct response to the unsatisfactory pay and job insecurity faced by cleaners under the previous administration.

Previously, cleaners were employed through private contractors who were paid by the government to provide cleaning services. However, these cleaners often received low wages, ranging from N20,000 to N30,000, with no guarantee of job security. The contractors, who were in business for profit, did not provide the workers with long-term employment benefits. Governor Okpebholo, dissatisfied with this arrangement, issued instructions to shift to direct government employment, ensuring that the new cleaners receive the state’s N70,000 minimum wage and enjoy the benefits of civil service employment.

This strategic decision reflects the Okpebholo administration’s dedication to practical governance that improves the lives of Edo residents. The newly employed cleaners are now official government workers, with appointment letters already distributed to them. Moreover, Okungbowa announced that another batch of cleaners would soon be hired to meet the state’s needs.

“We are committed to employing enough cleaners to maintain the cleanliness of government offices, and the 360 hired so far are just the beginning,” Okungbowa stated. This initiative marks a major shift toward equitable employment practices in the state, ensuring that all workers, regardless of their role, are treated with dignity and respect.