Sallah: Gov. Ododo Approves Early Payment of March Salaries for Kogi Civil Servants
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved the early payment of March salaries to civil servants across the state, directing that workers receive their pay on the 13th of the month ahead of the forthcoming Sallah celebration.
The decision is expected to enable workers make adequate preparations for the festive period and meet their financial obligations in good time.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, said the gesture reflects Governor Ododo’s commitment to the welfare of workers, particularly in view of the current economic realities facing many Nigerians.
According to him, while the payment of salaries remains a statutory responsibility of government, the governor considers it necessary to ensure workers receive their salaries earlier than usual during festive periods in order to ease financial pressure on families.
Isah explained that the early payment will also help workers cope with the rising cost of transportation and basic commodities following the recent increase in fuel prices. He noted that the move will also support those planning to travel to celebrate the Sallah holiday with their loved ones.
He further stated that the governor remains mindful of the sacrifices many families are making during the ongoing Ramadan fast and the Christian Lenten season, when households often face additional financial demands.
The Special Adviser added that such gestures have been rare in the history of the state, recalling that a former military administrator of Kogi State, the late Col. Bzigu Lassa Afakirya, once approved early salary payments for workers during his administration.
He reiterated that Governor Ododo will continue to prioritise the welfare of civil servants as part of his administration’s commitment to responsible and inclusive governance in Kogi State.
Since assuming office, the governor has maintained a pattern of approving early salary payments during major religious celebrations. In 2024, workers received their salaries on the 14th ahead of festive periods, including the Sallah break, Eid-el-Kabir celebration, and Easter.