Waste evacuators, drivers, drainage cleaners and other sanitation workers in Akwa Ibom State, thursday jubilated with shouts of joy and songs of celebration after receiving a 50% increase in their salaries from the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA); Obong (Dr.) Prince Ikim, who announced this at an enlarged meeting with the brave and hard-working youths at his Agency’s Office in Itam, said, the approval was a testament to the governor’s commitment to improving the lives of all, including the lives of those he referred to as the ‘unsung heroes’ of AKSEPWMA.
Ikim noted that, Pastor Umo Eno’s generosity and willingness to reward hard work and dedication was in keeping with his administration’s A.R.I.S.E. Agenda.
However, in addition to the salary increase, the waste evacuators, drainage cleaners, drivers and others were also provided with new tools and equipment to help them perform their jobs more efficiently.
These included overalls, boots, shovels and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and face masks. With these resources, the sweepers and others promised to work more effectively to keep the streets and public spaces clean and safe for all to enjoy.
The AKSEPWMA boss expressed Pastor Umo Eno- led administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support for the hardworking individuals to carry out their roles efficiently to help the State maintain its cleanest status in the Country, the award it has held for the past four years.
The Security Expert-cum Politician stressed that the salary increase was not just a financial boost for the brave youths, but also a symbolic gesture of appreciation and recognition, adding that, it was a validation of the hard work and effort they put in every day in the rain and and in the sun to keep the streets of Akwa Ibom clean and safe.
Ikim said the governor’s gesture was also a sign of his commitment to making life better for all residents, no matter their job or social status.
Various speakers at the meeting including Head of Administration; Mr. Umoh Efiong, Board members and Supervisors, while eulogizing the State Chief Executive for the genuine love for the ‘unsung heroes’, observed that, the salary raise was as a welcome relief for these hardworking individuals, who play a vital role in keeping the state clean, green and beautiful.
Meanwhile, the waste, evacuators, drainage cleaners and others, having felt truly valued and appreciated, were jubilant, as they chanted songs of praise and thanksgiving for the Governor’s actions.
The brave men and women expressed their gratitude for Pastor Umo Eno’s decision to increase their salaries, which they said would be a tremendous help in these difficult economic times.
The ‘unsung heroes’ of AKSEPWMA were invigorated by the recognition they received and the support of the Governor, even as they vowed to redouble their efforts to keep Akwa Ibom clean and beautiful.