150 FREE HOUSES SCHEME: AKSG COMMENCES ISSUANCES OF TICKETS TO CIVIL SERVANTS

150 FREE HOUSES SCHEME: AKSG COMMENCES ISSUANCES OF TICKETS TO CIVIL SERVANTS

By ANIETIE EDET

The Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced  issuance of tickets to  prospective beneficiaries of the 150 Two bedroom apartment at the Grace Estate.

Recall that the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno had earlier said that 150 civil servants in  grade level 1-8  would be given apartments at the newly established Grace Estate along the ongoing Ring Road 3 project.

Speaking at the event which took place at the Akpan Isemin Hall of the Government House, the Head of Civil Service, Effiong Essien assured that the selection process would be transparent, random, and free from deceit or favoritism. 

He explained that interested applicants are required to pay a nonrefundable sum of ₦50,000. 

According to him, "Winners will be determined by luck and grace, tickets will be sealed, signed, and issued accordingly.

"On the appointed date, we would have the Governor seated and tickets will be picked randomly, if your ticket is picked, you'll come out then we confirm and you pick the key to your house," he said. 

He further expressed gratitude to the Governor for his fatherly role and commitment to the well-being of public service especially the N20,000 gift to all the civil servants as a promise he made last month during the public service week.

Elder Essien commenced the process by presenting the tickets to two applicants, Aniebiet Inyang  and Christian Effiong after confirming that they have followed through the due process. 

Essien commended the applicants for their patience and orderliness throughout the registration process. 

Accordingly, the Permanent Secretary office of the Head of Civil Service and member of the Selection Process Committee , Joseph Esidem measures towards commitment and improving the lives of civil servants  as well as promoting a better standard of living for all

Responding on behalf of the registrants, Utitofon Bob expressed heartfelt thanks to God for the gift of the Governor and the opportunity to own a home. He prayed for God's blessings upon the Governor for his kindness and generosity.

The process of issuing raffle tickets for applicants is expected to last two weeks.

Organized labour has clarified that they have agreed to the new N70,000 national minimum wage increase proposed by President Bola Tinubu because the wage review will now take

Organized labour has clarified that they have agreed to the new N70,000 national minimum wage increase proposed by President Bola Tinubu because the wage review will now take place every three years instead of every five years.

After a meeting with President Tinubu, the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, and the President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo, revealed their discussions on the matter.

Ajaero stated, "The current amount of N70,000 is where we stand now. However, the positive aspect is that we will not have to wait for another five years for a review. This was a key factor in our decision to reach this agreement today, as we can now review the wage every three years."

Osifo added, "President Tinubu announced the N70,000 increase. He is expected to finalize the bill next week and transmit it to the National Assembly. The reason this announcement was significant is because organized labor has been advocating for more frequent reviews than every five years, considering the rapid changes in economic indicators and policies."

It is worth noting that President Tinubu announced the N70,000 new minimum wage increase for Nigerian workers and reassured that the federal government would assist sub-national and private sectors in implementing the new minimum wage.